Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia has reportedly become the first country to purchase the Bayraktar Kizilelma stealth unmanned aircraft developed by Türkiye-based defense company Baykar.
The information was reported by Turkish defense media outlet Turkish Defence Agency on Saturday, October 10, which stated that Indonesia plans to acquire 12 Kizilelma drones.
“Indonesia has become the first export customer for Bayraktar Kizilelma. Under the initial phase of the agreement, the delivery of 12 Kizilelma units is planned,” Turkish Defence Agency reported.
The report also indicated that Indonesia may consider purchasing additional units beyond the initial order of 12 drones.
According to the outlet, the procurement forms part of an agreement signed between Baykar and Indonesia’s PT Republik Aero Dirgantara.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense said it was still seeking information regarding the reported acquisition of 12 Kizilelma drones. “We are looking into the information,” said Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Ministry of Defense’s Defense Information Bureau, to Indonesia Defense Magazine (IDM) on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Baykar and Republikorp Group Sign Kizilelma Cooperation Agreement
On May 6, 2026, Indonesia’s private-sector Republikorp Group and Baykar signed a cooperation agreement concerning the acquisition of Kizilelma unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) on the sidelines of the SAHA 2026 defense exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye. The partnership also covers the joint development of the Kizilelma drone.
Through the collaboration between Baykar and PT Republik Aero Dirgantara, the operational development of the Kizilelma stealth drone is targeted to strengthen Indonesia’s UCAV capabilities starting in 2028.
The cooperation encompasses technology transfer, human resource development, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, local production and integration centers, specialist certification, and research into future strategic technologies.
The partnership is expected to support the development of Indonesia’s domestic defense technology capabilities while expanding local expertise in unmanned combat aircraft systems.
Conclusion
Indonesia is reportedly set to become the first export customer for Türkiye’s Bayraktar Kizilelma stealth drone, with an initial planned acquisition of 12 units. The reported partnership between Baykar and Republikorp Group includes technology transfer, local production, and joint development, with the aim of strengthening Indonesia’s unmanned combat aircraft capabilities from 2028. However, Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense has stated that it is still seeking information about the reported procurement.
Read more: BRIN Strengthens Research Efforts to Develop Indonesia’s Drone Industry