Jakarta, INTI – Indonesia has once again marked a significant milestone in the development of national defense technology. The locally-developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) named Elang Hitam or Black Eagle successfully completed a flight test at West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati, Majalengka, on Monday 28, July, 2025. This drone, classified as a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV, is the result of a national consortium with PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) serving as the main integrator.
During the trial, Black Eagle flew continuously for 24 hours and reached an altitude of 20,000 feet, showcasing performance that aligns with international standards. "This flight test proves that Indonesia has mastered key technologies in MALE drone development, including system design, autonomous flight control, and long-distance communication," said Mohammad Arif Faisal, PTDI’s Director of Commerce, Technology, and Development.
Advanced Specifications to Support Strategic Missions
According to various sources, the Black Eagle is equipped with technical specifications that make it highly capable for surveillance and defense missions. With a length of 8.3 meters, a height of 1.02 meters, and a wingspan of 16 meters, this MALE drone has an empty weight of 575 kg, a payload capacity of up to 300 kg, fuel weight of 420 kg, and a maximum takeoff weight of 1,115 kg.
It is powered by a Rotax 915 iS engine with 110 - 150 horsepower, featuring a four-cylinder turbocharged pusher propeller configuration. The drone can reach a cruising altitude of 3,000 - 5,000 meters (with a maximum of 7,200 meters), a top speed of 235 km/h, and a cruising speed of around 225 km/h. It can fly nonstop for up to 24 - 30 hours within a 250 km operational radius. The Black Eagle requires a 700-meter runway for takeoff and 500 meters for landing.
Equipped with autonomous flight control systems, a ground control station (GCS), and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) technology via satellite, the drone supports a modular architecture. This allows it to carry various payloads, including cameras, radars, and potential air-to-surface missiles for military missions.
Ready for Military and Humanitarian Operations
The Black Eagle is designed for various strategic missions, from border surveillance to enemy reconnaissance. Beyond military functions, it also supports humanitarian efforts such as natural disaster monitoring and victim search missions in remote areas.
During the test flight, the drone was accompanied by PTDI’s Kodiak aircraft to evaluate its range and stability in autonomous control. The trial was deemed successful, paving the way for mass production and full operational deployment in the near future.
"This isn't just a test. It’s a declaration that Indonesia is capable of building strategic drones with homegrown technology," Arif emphasized in Bandung.
A National Collaboration for Defense Ecosystem Independence
The Black Eagle’s flight test is part of the broader testing of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles. It was accompanied by a Kodiak chaser aircraft to ensure safety and monitor airborne performance.
The development of the Black Eagle is the result of a collaborative national consortium led by PTDI and involving several key institutions: the Ministry of Defense, Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU), BRIN (through former BPPT and LAPAN), PT Len Industri, and Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB).
Guided by the directives of the Defense Industry Policy Committee (KKIP), the project emphasizes the importance of building a national technology-based defense ecosystem. From conceptual design to prototyping, all stages were independently executed by Indonesian engineers and experts.
"This proof-of-concept demonstrates mastery of autonomous flight control systems, long-distance communication, and open system architecture. These are critical foundations for future development of Indonesia’s MALE drones," said Arif.
Designed to meet the operational needs of the Indonesian Air Force, Black Eagle can fly for up to 24 hours at 20,000 feet. Its modular and flexible platform enables it to be adapted for various missions including maritime surveillance, disaster response, and border security.
Conclusion
The successful 24-hour non-stop flight test of the Elang Hitam drone at an altitude of 20,000 feet marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s pursuit of defense technology independence. As a result of national collaboration, this MALE drone demonstrates that Indonesia is capable of developing internationally standardized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, ready to support both military and humanitarian missions. With autonomous flight control, modular architecture, and long-range communication capabilities, Elang Hitam is poised to strengthen national air defense and disaster response efforts.
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