Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar has signed its first export agreement for the Bayraktar Kızılelma unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) with Indonesia-based REPUBLIKORP, with deliveries of 12 platforms scheduled to begin in 2028, officials said at the SAHA 2026 defense exhibition.
The deal marks a milestone for the jet-powered UCAV program, representing its first international sale since the platform’s maiden flight in 2022. Baykar Chief Executive Haluk Bayraktar described the agreement as “historic,” stating, “We have signed our first export agreement for the Bayraktar Kızılelma with Indonesia.”
Bayraktar said the platform has transitioned to serial production following an intensive testing campaign. The agreement also includes provisions for industrial cooperation, including the establishment of local production, maintenance, and support infrastructure in Indonesia.
The framework allows Jakarta to expand the order significantly, with an option to procure an additional four squadrons—equivalent to 48 aircraft—potentially bringing the total fleet to five squadrons. Such an expansion would deepen bilateral defense-industrial integration and enhance Indonesia’s indigenous support capabilities.
REPUBLIKORP Group Chairman Norman Joseph said the partnership would strengthen Indonesia’s operational capacity and industrial base. “We believe the Kızılelma will enhance our air capabilities and defense,” he said, highlighting the long-term strategic dimension of the cooperation.
The Kızılelma agreement follows earlier contracts between the two countries for the Bayraktar TB2 and Bayraktar AKINCI unmanned aerial systems, underscoring a growing defense partnership. Discussions are also underway regarding the potential deployment of the carrier-capable Bayraktar TB3 within Indonesia’s naval forces.
Joseph said feasibility studies for TB3 integration across both air and naval components are ongoing, with technical assessments expected to conclude in the coming months. The evaluation reflects Indonesia’s interest in expanding its unmanned aviation footprint across multiple domains.
The export of the Kızılelma—designed for high-speed, low-observable operations and advanced mission profiles—signals Baykar’s ambition to position itself in the emerging market for next-generation combat drones. For Indonesia, the acquisition could bolster deterrence and extend operational reach in a complex regional security environment.
