Indonesia suspends Black Eagle MALE UAV programme
PTDI rolled out the first prototype of its MALE UAV on 30 December 2019. (Photo: KKIP)
Developing a MALE-class UAV is proving more difficult than expected for Indonesia.
Indonesia has taken the decision to cancel its development programme for the Elang Hitam (Black Eagle) MALE UCAV, a military project that commenced seven years ago.
This suspension of this national strategic project demonstrates that developing a viable UAV is a far more complex undertaking than simply creating an airframe.
Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency will divert resources from the Black Eagle project towards civil programmes instead.
PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) had rolled out the first Elang Hitam prototype on 30 December 2019. Delayed by the impact of COVID-19, its maiden flight occurred from Cijulang Nusawiru Airport in Pangandaran,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Planned Singapore fighter detachment in Guam scrapped]()
Planned Singapore fighter detachment in Guam scrapped
Singapore’s Ministry of Defence said the decision to discontinue discussions on the fighter training detachment was mutually agreed with the US.
-
![Elbit Systems discloses Iron Beam update and work on laser solution for IAF]()
Elbit Systems discloses Iron Beam update and work on laser solution for IAF
In its Q2 earnings call, the company said it has internal targets set for similar double-digit growth for 2026, as it welcomed a 21% boost in 2025 profits so far compared to 2024.
-
![Poland confirms US$3.8 billion F-16V upgrade]()
Poland confirms US$3.8 billion F-16V upgrade
The Mid-Life Upgrade agreement comes as Poland makes significant increases in its defence spend as its plans to increase it to 5% of GDP by 2026.
-
![Applied Intuition takes aim at major air combat programmes with UK expansion]()
Applied Intuition takes aim at major air combat programmes with UK expansion
The autonomous software company’s new UK subsidiary is the latest in a line of businesses poised to expand and offer its services to the UK Ministry of Defence and industry, as the country invests more in AI and autonomous technology to deliver the next generation of uncrewed systems.
