Indonesia Becomes First Export Buyer Of Baykar Kizilelma

INDONESIA has signed an agreement for Bayraktar Kizilelma unmanned fighter aircraft (UFA) from Turkiye’s Baykar Technologies. Signed at the SAHA 2026 International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul, the deal for 12 Kizilema makes Indonesia the first export customer of the new combat drone.

Baykar signed the agreement with Indonesia’s PT Republikorp with an initial order for 12 Kizilelmas to be delivered from 2028 onwards. Additionally, the deal will cover up to 48 additional units of the drone as well as local production and maintenance centres.

The Kizilelma is designed for taking on manned or unmanned enemy aerial platforms, capable of conducting dogfights enabled by artificial intelligence (AI). Furthermore, the platform is being developed to operate from aircraft carriers. With a range of 500 nautical miles, it can carry payloads of air-to-air missiles (AAM), INS/GPS guided munitions, laser-guided munitions, standoff Weapons, cruise missiles, mini cruise missiles.

SAHA Istanbul Chairman and Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar described the deal as a historic for both Baykar and Türkiye’s defence industry. According to Baykar, the Bayraktar TB2 is the world’s most exported unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system in its category and added that the company is advancing into unmanned fighter jet technology with the Kizilelma.

“Bayraktar KIZILELMA, one of the world’s first unmanned fighter jet technologies, made its first flight in 2022. Since then, intensive flight activities have continued,” he said. Furthermore, serial production of the drone was completed last year and will likely enter service for Turkiye this year.

Indonesia and Baykar have expanded their cooperation over the past year, with Indonesia purchasing the Bayraktar Akinci and TB2.–shp/adj/dl (Pix:BAYKAR)