TNI Collaboration, Muhammadiyah University Successfully Develops Anti-Aircraft War Missile, Potential to Become Iron Dome

Rector of Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) Yogyakarta, Prof Muchlas, has revealed significant developments in the Merapi-R anti-aircraft missile project, undertaken in collaboration with the Indonesian National Army (TNI AD). The missile is even considered to have the potential to become the embryo of an air defence system similar to the “Iron Dome” Indonesian version. Prof Muchlas stated that based on information from the research team, functional tests of the Merapi-R missile have shown promising results. “In terms of functional testing, the Merapi Missile is ready to be developed into a weapon for warfare needs, and is highly tactical to be developed into the embryo of an Indonesian Iron Dome,” he said when contacted by Republika.co.id on Monday (30/3/2026). Nevertheless, he emphasised that not all technical specifications can be publicly disclosed. This relates to strategic and national security aspects. However, several general specifications have been revealed to the public. “Specifications cannot be conveyed openly, but generally they have been released,” he said.