Indonesian Aero News

[koxinga]

The so called "heavy fighter" like the SU-27/30 has only one advantage; they are heavy because of high internal fuel volume, that leads to fairly long combat range or can be translated to longer loiter time than either the Rafale or the F-16.

But it cannot be considered in isolation. Small numbers and poor/low availability means that advantage is nullified to a large extent. I would rather have more advanced fighters in higher numbers/availability and forward deployed to key areas than small number of fighers with limited availability but can cover longer ranges.

 

[Ananda]

France and Indonesia: A Diplomatic Snub at Paris’ Bastille DayOn July 14, 2025, Paris’ Champs-Élysées dazzled with the Bastille Day parade, where Indonesian troops marched as guests of honor… | Giuseppe Gagliano

France and Indonesia: A Diplomatic Snub at Paris’ Bastille DayOn July 14, 2025, Paris’ Champs-Élysées dazzled with the Bastille Day parade, where Indonesian troops marched as guests of honor alongside President Emmanuel Macron and his counterpart, President Prabowo Subianto. The display of...

www.linkedin.com

Few days ago, after military parade for Bastille Days, Macron and Prabowo supposedly have another meeting to finalize additional batch of Rafale. However Prabowo decide to go straight to Belarus and skip the last meeting.

This person speculate because French coming strong for Indonesia to ditch Russian and Chinese defense co-op. However rumours in here talk on other issue. Somehow someone from Macron inner circle or even Macron himself suggest to strengthen Franco-Indonesia defense co-op with Indonesia involvement with Abraham Accord.

If that's true, then it is clearly a no-no for any Indonesian President. That's political suicide especially with Israel genocide in Gaza. That's really stun Prabowo as he consider that's political insensitive and meddling with Domestic politics. That's what make Prabowo decided to go straight away to Belarus (which already in scheduled anyway) and snub last meeting schedule with Macron.

Just shown how Politics can change plan on defences procurement plan.

 

[swerve]

The so called "heavy fighter" like the SU-27/30 has only one advantage; they are heavy because of high internal fuel volume, that leads to fairly long combat range or can be translated to longer loiter time than either the Rafale or the F-16.

But it cannot be considered in isolation. Small numbers and poor/low availability means that advantage is nullified to a large extent. I would rather have more advanced fighters in higher numbers/availability and forward deployed to key areas than small number of fighers with limited availability but can cover longer ranges.

I understand your reasoning, but in some cases geography makes that difficult.

 

[tonnyc]

I understand your reasoning, but in some cases geography makes that difficult.

Just to make it clear. In the context of defending Indonesian air space, there is no case where a long range fighter is needed. Geographically, we have enough major air bases that there is no part of Indonesia that isn't theoretically covered. Now, whether we have enough fighters to actually cover them is another issue, but we are acquiring more fighter jets, so I assume that there will be enough.

A heavy fighter is needed only if we want to bomb targets in Northern Australia or South China Sea but there's no realistic case where this makes sense.

 

[Ananda]

This heavy fighters arguments in Indonesia basically in my opinion being put on case by case base. Flankers being argued as Makasar AB so far the only AB in central and eastern Indonesia that have organic Fighter squadron. In sense Flankers is the only Fighter that (at this moment) available to patrol basically half of Indonesian Airspace. This is the arguments that I see from TNI-AU.

While for F-15EX the arguments more on the radar capabilities, their range capabilities but also missile loads capabilities. Something that means nothing if MinDef and TNI-AU not prepared enough missiles inventory.

However I do agree with @tonnyc that all the arguments supportive Heavy Fighters can be countered if more AB have their own organic Fighters. Instread one Flankers sq in Makasar AB against 3 J-10C squadrons in Makasar, Kupang and Biak AB. Or 1 sq of F-15EX against 3 sq of F-16V scatter on those 3 AB.

Heavy Fighters more expensive to procure and maintain against MRCA or LCA. Personally I rather have 3 sq of FA-50 (latest Block) against 1 sq of Su-35 for Eastern Indonesia as example. I guess the question back to Quality vs Quantity.

 

[Ananda]

S. Korea Hopes to Deliver First 3 of 12 Fighter Jets to PH by 2028

23 Juli 2025 Assembly line of FA-50 light combat aircraft in KAI (photo: KAI) MANILA – South Korea is shooting to deliver the first three of...

defense-studies.blogspot.com

This is not related to TNI-AU, but related to supply chain problem that facing aircraft production. PAF next batch of FA-50 will only be available on another more than two years period. Even 6 TA-50 for TNI-AU that supposedly come begining last year, now being move to this year and next.

Perhaps this is why TNI-AU looking to Leonardo for M346 Block 20 as alternative for LCA against FA-50 Block 70. Either that, or they have to look for JF-17 or Tejas as LCA replacement toward Hawk 209/109. Guessing the airframe availability period seems now also getting higher score up for Aviation planning.

FA-50 now getting more popular as LCA, and that's make queuing period increase. Perhaps Leonard provide better time table delivery. That's simply my guessing on why TNI-AU seems shopping around.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Here a video of the arrival of PK-GDC.

Garuda Indonesia Boeing 737-8 Delivery Arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Jakarta.

The Garuda Indonesia Boeing 737-8 MAX, bearing the registration PK-GDC, is seen here making its landing approach at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten (CGK/WIII), following a multi-leg delivery flight from Boeing’s facility at KBFI in Seattle, United States. The aircraft transited via Kailua-Kona and Guam before arriving in Jakarta. Originally built for Lynx Air and subsequently considered for induction into the Air Canada fleet, this particular airframe remained a not-taken-up (NTU) unit until a leasing agreement was finalized with BOC Aviation, under which it is now operated by Garuda Indonesia.

It marks the airline’s first reentry into 737-8 operations following the COVID-19 pandemic, with a prior unit, PK-GDA, having been operated pre-pandemic, but subsequently returned to the lessor. As of the time of this footage’s release, indications suggest Garuda Indonesia will operate only this single 737-8 unit throughout the current year. However, this may change subject to the availability of additional NTU aircraft or contingent upon developments in bilateral agreements that may influence the airline’s access to Boeing. The aircraft was immediately towed to Remote Stand R53 upon arrival, where it remains parked for customs clearance and associated post-delivery procedures. Reports indicate that the aircraft will undergo cabin reconfiguration to align with Garuda Indonesia standards and service requirements prior to entering commercial service.

So PK-GDC was parked at Remote D area to be towed later to GMF.

 

[tonnyc]

S. Korea Hopes to Deliver First 3 of 12 Fighter Jets to PH by 2028

23 Juli 2025 Assembly line of FA-50 light combat aircraft in KAI (photo: KAI) MANILA – South Korea is shooting to deliver the first three of...

defense-studies.blogspot.com

This is not related to TNI-AU, but related to supply chain problem that facing aircraft production. PAF next batch of FA-50 will only be available on another more than two years period. Even 6 TA-50 for TNI-AU that supposedly come begining last year, now being move to this year and next.

Perhaps this is why TNI-AU looking to Leonardo for M346 Block 20 as alternative for LCA against FA-50 Block 70. Either that, or they have to look for JF-17 or Tejas as LCA replacement toward Hawk 209/109. Guessing the airframe availability period seems now also getting higher score up for Aviation planning.

FA-50 now getting more popular as LCA, and that's make queuing period increase. Perhaps Leonard provide better time table delivery. That's simply my guessing on why TNI-AU seems shopping around.

Curious. The KAI representative I talked to back at Indo Defence 2025 say that they can expand the production line according to demand. So I'm guessing the higher up has chosen not to expand the production line (or only expand it slightly) in order to stretch the backlog. Alternatively, it's possible certain long-lead items (engine? radar?) can't keep up with the demand, resulting in a bottleneck even if KAI can theoretically finish the airframe otherwise.

 

[Ananda]

The KAI representative I talked to back at Indo Defence 2025 say that they can expand the production line according to demand.

KAI offer to move KT-1B production line to DI is from what I heard also part of their effort to enlarge the capacities of FA/TA-50 production lines. They are not ready to close KT-1 production line (as seems they still see the demand) however they are also looking to outsource the lines as way out.

However I do agree more on problem of production chain. Just like other aviation manufacturer, the problem on overall chains parts sourcing has bigger effect. They are definetely try to work out more capacities on the facilities, but whether the industry already solve supply chain issue is another thing.

 

[koxinga]

Yes that's where Havelsan come in, providing tech experience on integration of AEW&C tech from various sources of suppliers. At least that's my understanding from what been gather so far from all information circling around.

The current active program in Turkiye that has actual money (USD 107 mil) and timeline (2026 - 2030) is with ASELSAN. While it is meant for their unmanned platforms (İnsansız Hava Aracı AEW&C), the same platform can likely be used for a manned platform.

ASELSAN and SSB Sign Radar Systems Procurement Contract | TURDEF

ASELSAN stated that it signed an agreement with the Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB) valuing $ 107.480.950 to procure new-generation Radar Systems.

www.turdef.com

 

[Ananda]

Turkish Aerospace inks deal to export KAAN fighter jets to Indonesia

Turkish Aerospace Industries signs agreement with PT Republik Aero Dirgantara and PT Dirgantara Indonesia to export 48 KAAN units during International Defense Industry Fair 2025 - Anadolu Ajansı

www.aa.com.tr

This is the progress of that 48 KAAN agreement that Prabowo and Sultan Erdo signed before. I see the pattern on Turkiye-Indonesia defense collaboration now. Most of it will involve Republikorp. Like this one involving Republic Aero Dirgantara which is their subsidiary for Aerospace business.

For Naval they already have Palindo which already established naval shipyard player. However this one, I still don't know where of if they have aero manufacturing structure. I suspect no, that's why they bring DI on this.

While DI it self on paper still committed to bring 48 IFX on their facility with KAI. So if they are still working with KAI, seems this KAAN will still being assembly in TAI, and Indonesian partners going to do final system integration. At least that's what I suspect.

 

[Ananda]

Just add that KAAN agreement. They signed KAAN purchase agreement, but not yet with KF/IF-21 or 'Additional' Rafale batch that the MoI being signed before. Some rumours say the budget for this come from F-15EX budget. Well all still rumours, but clearly something has to give. Perhaps they think 24 F-15EX will be better use for 48 KAAN with industrial and technological co-op.

Take some digging, but even this call purchase contract same with the 2 Istif Frigates, however the situation quite different, as the two Istif Frigate already in production.This also less then KF-21 where Indonesia involve on development stage, while this one much less involvement on development and more on tech agreement after KAAN already ready.

So seems the key is the contact will be effective when the KAAN already ready for production. That's will take years to come. Anything can happen.

 

[Ananda]

Finally DI able to put Elang Hitam (Black Eagle) MALE UAV on flight trials. This is the largest indigenous UAV design, and supposedly in the same class with Turkish ANKA or Chinese CH-4. Both types that already and in process operate by TNI-AU.

This is also one of protracted development and bit dramatic. Being tossed up from one government agency to others.

Previous day PT. LEN with their Thailand partner manage to conduct BLOS (beyond line of sight) flight for their DID 3.11 MALE UAV. The BLOS range was 320 km. Correction: LEN UAV conducted their flight trial at Pangandaran Airport at West Java southern coast, while DI Elang Hitam UAV at Kertajati airport on other part of West Java.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

At last..... after so many years of the roll-out, finally the Elang Hitam UAV got its first flight. During 2014-2024 the government really abandoned the aviation industry. Was it pure indifference and were politicians only busy with other things, or were some of them paid to let this happen?
Well, hopefully IPTN and other companies can recover and slowly come back on track.

 

[Ananda]

Was it pure indifference and were politicians only busy with other things, or were some of them paid to let this happen?

Aviation Industry in Indonesia problem is not just matter of Political support, but also IPTN/DI performance. It is not secret that some see DI as money pit that only wasting Goverment capital injection.

Problem with supply chain also matters, as Indonesia since Habibie era focus more on developing airframe manufacturer and not supply chains parts support. Make aviation manufacturing in Indonesia basically relative more expensive as nearly all parts has to be imported.

That parts chain at least on Ground and Sea transportation relatively has better domestic suppliers, makin them more efficient to build and even exported. Political support also has to be realistic. Even now the progress for N219 line still behind schedulle. Let alone building new assembly lines.

 

[tonnyc]

Regarding the N-219, I am unwilling to place the blame on Indonesian Aerospace. An engineer remarked that despite an order being placed last year, the ministry has not actually made any down-payment, making progress impossible.

This is not the only project where this has happened. It's why I have a low opinion on retired soldiers as defense ministers. Despite claims that they are supposed to understand defense better, they don't seem to know how things work in the civilian world.

 

[Ananda]

First Indonesian Rafale spotted

First Indonesian Rafale spotted The first Rafale B for the Tentara Nasional Indonesia, Angkatan Udara (TNI-AU, Indonesian Air Force), was spotted at the Dassault factory in Bordeau...

www.scramble.nl

Scramble claim that first Indonesia Rafale already spotted in Dasault facility. It is B version (dual passanger), and seems this is in line with first batch delivery schedulle of early next year.

B version as choice indicating the first batch also being use as conversion units, training new Rafale fighters. TNI-AU report before say the deal divided in to First Batch of 6, Second Batch of 18, and Third Batch of 18. Macron's visit to Jakarta in May supposedly follow by Prabowo's visit to Paris in Bastile day for confirming the Fourth Batch.

However so far the plan for Fourth Batch still on hold, but if this coming through it is talk about potential number of 6, 12, 18 or even 24. Considering budgets priority, if the Fourth Batch being signed, I suspect 6 or 12 at max.

Add:
TNI-AU first A400M, first flight:

https://x.com/FercleosSpotter/status/1950941945359962187?s=19

 

[Ananda]

https://x.com/AirbusDefence/status/1951198321340539151?s=09

Just add video from Airbus Defence on the first flight of TNI-AU A400M. It's clear have 31st Sq logo and it is in line with info so far that 31st Sq in Halim Jakarta AB will have hybrid A300M and C130J.

Also the video shown the hose and drogue system in both wing. Thus confirming this two going to be replacemant for TNI-AU KC-130B. Replacement that happen after more than 60 years.