The Indonesian Ministry of Defense (MoD) revealed that it will be acquiring 12 Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) Anka medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) worth up to US$300 million, the ministry announced in a now-deleted social media post in late July.
The announcement, which has since been deleted, added that the air vehicles are expected to be delivered within 32 months after the contract enters into force.
The deal also provisions for equipment and services such as a flight training simulator, integrated logistics support, ground support and test equipment, and hangar infrastructure.
Local subsidiary PT Turkish Aerospace Indonesia (TAI Indonesia) earlier noted that an offset and transfer of technology arrangement had been agreed in February, with Indonesian industry and universities to benefit from activities such as final assembly of the Anka UAVs as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations.
Jakarta has expressed an overt interest in MALE-class UAVs for several years, with state-owned aerospace company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) unveiling an indigenously developed MALE UAV development called the Elang Hitam (Black Eagle) in 2019. However, more recent reports have indicated that the project – originally intended to fulfil the requirements of the armed forces – has been shelved in favour of an off-the-shelf option from the international market.
TAI Indonesia earlier noted that the Indonesian Air Force will receive six Anka UAVs, with the army and navy each getting three air vehicles.
TAI will reportedly build the first six Anka UAVs in Türkiye, while the remainder will be locally assembled by PTDI in Indonesia.
The company was awarded a contract from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) to supply three Anka S MALE UAVs and associated equipment and services worth around US$90 million at the LIMA 2023 exhibition in Langkawi in May.
by Jr Ng
