Aviation News – Turkey’s leading drone manufacturer Baykar has finalized a historic export agreement with Indonesia’s PT Republik Aero Dirgantara (Republikorp) for the delivery of 12 Bayraktar Kizilelma unmanned combat aircraft. This strategic partnership, signed in Istanbul, marks the first international sale of the advanced jet-powered system, signaling a major shift in Southeast Asian aerial defense capabilities.
The framework agreement was officially signed on May 6, 2026, during the SAHA 2026 defense fair. Beyond the initial order for 12 aircraft, the contract includes options for four additional squadrons, which could eventually bring the total fleet to 48 Kizilelma units. This deal is part of a broader development context aimed at strengthening bilateral defense ties between Turkey and Indonesia.
Central to the agreement is a comprehensive technology transfer program designed to bolster Indonesia’s domestic aerospace industry. The contract outlines the establishment of local production and maintenance facilities, alongside specialized training and certification for Indonesian technical personnel. This ensures that the Indonesian defense sector remains self-sufficient in operating and sustaining the high-tech fleet over the coming decades.
The Bayraktar Kizilelma represents a new era of naval and aerial warfare, functioning as a low-observable, jet-powered unmanned fighter. It is designed to perform complex air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with high maneuverability, providing a significant operational impact by allowing for high-risk sorties without putting human pilots in danger.
“This agreement marks the first export contract for the jet-powered Kizilelma, which we market as one of the world’s first unmanned fighter aircraft,” stated a representative from Baykar during the signing ceremony, highlighting the global importance of this technological milestone.
The successful integration of these systems will likely redefine regional security dynamics and establish a blueprint for future unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) exports. As deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028, all eyes will be on how this partnership accelerates the modernization of the Indonesian Air Force.
Indonesia’s acquisition of the Kizilelma positions the nation as an early adopter of next-generation autonomous combat technology. By combining local production with Turkish innovation, the deal ensures long-term operational readiness. This collaboration sets a high standard for future international defense exports and autonomous aviation developments.
