Jakarta, INTI - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) continues to advance Indonesia’s aviation technology capabilities through the development of both manned and unmanned aircraft, along with a range of key technologies that support the country’s efforts to strengthen national aviation expertise. These initiatives form part of BRIN’s aviation and aerospace R&D roadmap, which is being implemented in line with available funding and human resources.
Fadilah Hasim, Head of BRIN’s Center for Aviation Technology Research, said one of the agency’s current priorities in manned aircraft development is the N219. The aircraft’s intellectual property is jointly owned by BRIN and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI).
“For manned aircraft, one of our key focuses is the N219. Its intellectual property is jointly owned by BRIN and PTDI, with BRIN responsible for managing the intellectual property, including licensing and royalty matters,” Fadilah said during the Town Hall Meeting on the Aviation and Aerospace R&D Roadmap on Friday, August 14, 2026.
Advancing the N219 Amphibious Aircraft
The development of the N219 has now entered its next phase. Initially developed as a basic aircraft weighing approximately 6.3 tons, the N219 is now being developed into a basic amphibian aircraft. The next stage involves adding floats, which will subsequently be integrated into the N219 Amphibian configuration.
Development of the N219 Amphibian is targeted to continue through 2029 along two parallel tracks: industrial development and research. The industrial track is intended to respond more quickly to market demand, while the research track will continue to ensure that the technologies being developed can effectively address those requirements.
Both tracks are being developed with user needs in mind. Requirements from potential users, including the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Indonesian Navy, and the Indonesian Army, are among the factors considered in aviation technology development. This makes close alignment between research and industry essential to ensure that research outcomes can translate into solutions that meet real-world user needs.
In addition to manned aircraft, BRIN is continuing to develop a range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The agency has taken forward several platforms previously developed by the former National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) and the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT). LAPAN previously developed the LSU 01 through LSU 05 series, featuring different sizes and weights, while BPPT developed the Alap-alap and Wulung UAVs. Several of these platforms have already received certification and have been licensed to industry.
Beyond aircraft platforms and core aviation technologies, BRIN’s Center for Aviation Technology Research is also involved in strategic national programs through task-sharing and collaboration with various stakeholders. Starting this year, the center has also become involved in developing a larger unmanned platform, known as Platform 8, with an approximately eight-meter wingspan. The project is being developed through collaboration across multiple research organizations.
Building Critical Aviation Technologies
According to Fadilah, the development of aircraft platforms must also be supported by mastery of key technologies that form the foundation of national aviation capabilities. These technologies are considered critical to achieving greater technological independence.
“Some of these technologies are highly critical. If we cannot master them, having the financial resources does not necessarily mean that someone will be willing to sell them to us,” Fadilah said.
The key technologies being developed include lightweight structures; flight control systems comprising flight control computers and actuation systems; communication and data-link systems that enable aircraft to be controlled from ground control stations; and payload systems, including sensors designed to support various aviation missions.
Alongside platform and key technology development, BRIN’s Center for Aviation Technology Research is also promoting the downstream commercialization of research outcomes so they can be utilized more broadly. These efforts include strengthening the adoption and market development of aviation technology products to generate tangible benefits for industry and users.
Going forward, aviation technology development will be further strengthened through collaboration across research groups and organizations. The collaboration is aimed at accelerating mastery of key technologies while speeding up the development of products that align with the needs of industry and end users.
Conclusion
BRIN’s continued development of manned and unmanned aircraft, including the N219 Amphibian and larger UAV platforms, reflects Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen its national aviation technology capabilities. By combining research, industrial collaboration, and the development of critical technologies such as flight control, communication, lightweight structures, and mission systems, BRIN aims to accelerate technological independence while ensuring that future aviation solutions can meet the needs of industry and end users.
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