Turkey Signs Deal with Indonesia to Locally Produce Bayraktar TB3

Türkiye and Indonesia have taken a significant step in strengthening their defense cooperation with the signing of a joint venture agreement between Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar and Indonesia’s Republikorp to establish a UAV production facility in Indonesia.

This milestone agreement was signed during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s official visit to Indonesia in February 2025, marking a new phase in their expanding military and technological collaboration.

One of the key goals of this partnership is to locally produce Bayraktar TB3 drones, along with other advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the Akıncı drone.

By enabling local production, the deal will reduce Indonesia’s dependence on foreign military imports and foster the growth of its domestic defense industry.

This initiative also involves technology transfer from Baykar, ensuring that Indonesia can enhance its capabilities and further establish itself as a key player in Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing drone industry.

Alongside local production, Baykar will continue to export UAVs to Indonesia, further solidifying the country’s position in the global defense sector.

Bayraktar TB3 and Akıncı: Strengthening Indonesia’s Military Capabilities

One of the most notable aspects of this agreement is the production of the Bayraktar TB3, a cutting-edge unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) engineered for naval and maritime operations.

The TB3 features foldable wings, enabling it to operate from short-runway aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, which makes it a valuable asset for Indonesia’s maritime security.

Given Indonesia’s status as an archipelagic nation with thousands of islands and vast territorial waters, the TB3 provides the capability for long-endurance surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes against potential threats.

Equipped with an advanced satellite communication system, the Bayraktar TB3 can operate over long distances, offering persistent aerial surveillance and real-time intelligence.

It has an impressive flight endurance of up to 24 hours and can carry a payload of 280 kilograms, including smart munitions and reconnaissance equipment.

The TB3 recently demonstrated its capabilities by becoming the first UCAV to successfully take off and land on a short-deck vessel, proving its effectiveness for naval warfare operations.

Alongside the TB3, the joint venture will also produce the Bayraktar Akıncı, a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) combat drone that ranks among the most advanced UAVs in the world.

The Akıncı drone is designed for high-precision strike missions, capable of carrying air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions while utilizing artificial intelligence-powered avionics.

Its ability to operate at high altitudes with a large payload makes it an ideal solution for border surveillance, anti-terror operations, and strategic reconnaissance.

By integrating these drones into its armed forces, Indonesia is significantly enhancing its defense capabilities and aerial warfare strategy.

The Strategic Importance of Indonesia’s UAV Manufacturing Facility

The establishment of a local UAV production hub in Indonesia represents a pivotal shift in Southeast Asia’s defense industry, offering Indonesia a unique opportunity to develop its domestic defense manufacturing sector.

By acquiring state-of-the-art drone technology, Indonesia is reducing its dependency on foreign military imports, while also strengthening its ability to defend its borders and protect its maritime interests.

The technology transfer from Türkiye will enable Indonesian defense engineers to develop expertise in UAV production, operations, and maintenance, helping to build a self-sufficient defense industry in the long run.

From Türkiye’s perspective, this deal marks another success in its global expansion as a leading drone exporter. Baykar’s combat-proven UAVs have already demonstrated their effectiveness on the battlefield, gaining international recognition as some of the most capable drones in modern warfare.

By securing a strong defense partnership with Indonesia, Türkiye is expanding its defense industry footprint in Southeast Asia, a region with growing demand for advanced military technology and aerial combat systems.

Strengthening Bilateral Defense Cooperation and Regional Security

The Türkiye-Indonesia defense collaboration is expected to extend beyond UAV production, as both nations explore further cooperation in missile defense systems, armored vehicles, and naval warfare technology.

Indonesia has already demonstrated a growing interest in Turkish defense products, having procured 12 Turkish drones in 2023 as part of its military modernization efforts.

This partnership marks a strategic shift toward long-term defense collaboration, ensuring Indonesia remains at the forefront of technological advancements in aerial warfare and surveillance.

With Indonesia’s ambition to become a regional military power, this agreement plays a crucial role in shaping its future defense strategy.

As drone warfare becomes an increasingly vital component of modern military operations, Indonesia is positioning itself as a key player in Southeast Asia’s UAV industry.

Meanwhile, Türkiye continues to expand its influence, establishing itself as a dominant force in the global military drone market.

As both countries deepen their defense ties, the Baykar-Republikorp UAV manufacturing facility stands as a symbol of technological innovation and military cooperation.

By investing in cutting-edge drone production, Indonesia is securing its national security interests, while Türkiye solidifies its reputation as a world leader in UAV technology.

This joint venture is not just a business agreement but a strategic move that will redefine military capabilities in the region for years to come.