Stealth Drone KIZILELMA Positions Indonesia as a Leader in ASEAN Combat Power

The collaboration between Turkey’s Baykar aerospace company and PT Republik Aero Dirgantara Indonesia for the procurement of the jet-powered Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned combat aircraft marks a new strategic step in defence cooperation between the two nations. This agreement signifies a major advancement in Indonesia’s air power modernisation, particularly in developing high-technology unmanned combat systems. At the same time, the introduction of the KIZILELMA is expected to reshape the landscape of military technology competition in Southeast Asia, especially in the race to master next-generation stealth combat drones. The strategic agreement, announced at the SAHA Expo 2026 in Istanbul, is not merely a weapons procurement transaction but a symbol of Indonesia entering a new era of unmanned air warfare based on stealth, artificial intelligence, and modern networked combat operations. This partnership, announced at the SAHA Expo 2026 in Istanbul, represents the first export of the KIZILELMA abroad and positions Indonesia as the first customer for Turkey’s most advanced stealth combat drone platform. Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar stated that the cooperation encompasses not only the acquisition of weapon systems but also the construction of production facilities and maintenance centres in Indonesia. Republikorp Group Chairman Norman Joesoef views the partnership as having high strategic value, as it paves the way for Indonesia to become a regional aerospace industry hub, as reported by Anadolu and Defence Security Asia a few days ago. In the initial phase, Indonesia will receive 12 units of the KIZILELMA starting in 2028. The contract also provides options for additional units up to a total of 60, which will be deployed across five operational wings of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU). This acquisition is seen as a crucial part of strengthening Indonesia’s Minimum Essential Force (MEF). The presence of high-speed stealth combat drones is considered capable of enhancing Indonesia’s deterrence capabilities amid the intensifying security dynamics in the South China Sea. Unlike MALE drones such as the Bayraktar TB2, which have been used for surveillance missions, the KIZILELMA is designed as a multi-role unmanned combat aircraft. This platform has precision strike capabilities, air defence suppression missions, and air-to-air operations. With a 1,500 kilogram payload capacity and low radar design, the KIZILELMA is said to be able to operate in areas with high air defence threats. The drone is also equipped with AESA radar and an AI-based autonomous control system.