Indonesian Aero News

[Ananda]

So the intent is similar like the 'Top Aces'/'Draken' type setup, where a private entity runs the operations but somewhat integrated within the AF umbrella?

That's seems the intention from public info that ESS Indonesia so far shown in public. So Far TNI-AU does not shown intention to provide Aggressor Squadron as part of their organic line up. How far the Mig 29 upgrade by ESS also not available officially yet.

Still the plan so far shown ESS will run the agressor squadron as private contractor. This it is still speculation, but indication shown it will be mix TNI-AU instructors combined with foreign contractors.

 

[Ananda]

Just shown what Russia-China marketing lobby (brokerage) offering to TNI-AU. This is come on discussion from what so call defence 'think tank' (for me just another brokerage initiate forums). Off course all this will again back to financing packages that will be consider acceptable by Finance Guys.

Life Cycle Costs also part of considereration, however politically the priorities will be:

1. Diversified policies as Indonesia will not again relies on one source or one camp of suppliers. This is consider essential for Indonesia defense geopolitical situation
2. Acceptable and competitive financing packages,
3. LCC (Life Cycle Costs) including logistical foot print exposures.

Rumoures that being circulate, Russian financing only can be consider for IL-78MK-90A and China financing for J-10B/CE. If IL-78MK-90A can goes through, it will use A330MRTT financing slot. While more A400M will still be budgetted. Like I post before, there's marketing lobby war between Euro Brokerage vs Russia-China brokerage.

 

[Ananda]

2.2K views · 168 reactions | skadron 12 | KERIS reborn

skadron 12

www.facebook.com

Nice video from Keris FB on 12th Sq in Pekanbaru AB. This is shown also several French Instructors onsite, thus shown the first batch of 6 purpose to provide local training amd pilot development for Rafale.

 

[Ananda]

KAI eyes follow-on KF-21 order from Seoul, as Indonesia talks continue

KAI expects a follow-on South Korean order for 80 additional KF-21s. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) expects to deliver eight KF-21 fighters to South Korea’s air force by the end of 2026, as it anticipates a follow-on order for the type. The first two production jets are already undergoing...

www.flightglobal.com

KAI still believe that 40 Korea MinDef Batch 1 order will be follow on with another 80 Batch 2 that more MRCA then more Air To Air specialise Batch 1. They also believe Indonesia MinDef order of 16 will be follow on with another 32 and make it tot 48.

Previously Indonesia MinDef source talk all order negotiation will be for Batch 2. Still no confirmation yet on that further on. DI will get part of KF-21 production supply cain, however not clear yet on the share production.

 

[ComradeVortex]

Indonesia still trying to get more transport plane to replace old Hercules (B and H variants).
Apparently the problems are getting new C-130J and A400M are not possible through 3rd party/makelaar (which one of the CEOs rumoured to be vice minister of defense soon). So chances of Indonesia buying Il-78 and/or Y-20 are rising now.

Since Y-20 uses D-30 (Russian engine), it should be fine as it is less export sensitive, although then it would have a slightly worse performance than an export Il-76MD-90A (or Il-78MD-90A, designation is up to you).

 

[Ananda]

Apparently the problems are getting new C-130J and A400M are not possible through 3rd party/makelaar (which one of the CEOs rumoured to be vice minister of defense soon). So chances of Indonesia buying Il-78 and/or Y-20 are rising now.

Procurement from US and Euro also have brokerage (Makelar). The plan to execute option for 4 more A400M still there. IL-78MK-90A is the choice between that plane or A330MRTT. Argument that IL-78 can still be tankers for Rafale alongside Flankers or potential J-10 plus doing military cargo toward unprepared rough runway is the argument that I heard being put by their Brokerage.

Off course Airbus and Euro Brokerage doing their own lobby toward that. Question on Russian assets more on the availability of Financing line. Especially financing line that can be acceptable by finance guys.

Whether A330MRTT, IL-78MK-90A, or Y-20 Tankers, still ongoing lobby. A330MRTT Neo as brand new option that Airbus offer is the most expensive one. From what I heard this is also why Airbus still put option on A330MRTT from A330-200 conversion that available in market.

Again, as I mentioned before in this thread, all back to financing options that can be acceptable with Finance Guys. Don't underestimate their power to scuttle government procurement (not just in defense), when they don't agree with financing package options.

 

[Ananda]

From Yudi S online account, DI prototype (or mock-up ?) for Air Taxi EVTOL automated drones. In this DI working with an Aero start up company Vela Indonesia. Just shown other drone project thar DI working on asside MAKE UCAV Elang Hitam (Black Eagle).

 

[Ananda]

1.3K views · 74 reactions | Rafale T-0303 | Indonesia Defence Review

Rafale T-0303

www.facebook.com

Thales support engineers still involve on Rafale operation. Including in preparation for Independence Day fly pass operation. Video from Indonesia Defence Review FB.

 

[ComradeVortex]

George N. (@GeorgeN28581) on X

One of new Il-78 being towed. Might be for the Chinese order.

x.com

Footage shows brand new Il-78 being towed. Definitely an export frame due to the aircraft number. It could be a frame for the PLAAF since their request in 2022-23 or one of ours for the TNI-AU.

 

[Ananda]

The rumours circulate that the brokerage that handle Chinese assets also handle Russian assets. I always have doubt for more Russian assets unless it is already back up with viable financing package.

Still new items like Mi-17, Mi-8, Mi-35 already tricling out on limited numbers. Indicating the brokerage manage to secure limited financing packages so far. For bigger items like more Flankers I have my doubt on the availabities.

However this IL-78MK-90A can be plausible being allocate as this administration seems have more inclination for dual purpose assets (military and disaster relieved). I don't think China still interest to acquire IL-78 when their Y20 Tanker and their own WS-20 engine already shown increasing maturity trend.

Still what if the brokerage that handle Russia and China suppliers, also can get Chinese financing for IL-78 ? What if the China previous order or LoI for IL-78 being offer to Indonesia with Chinese financing combine with China assets like J-10 ?

One thing for sure Russia financing can not be consider reliable sources. Thus either use domestic source or non western source like China or Gulf source. Thus this's going to be tied on with what packages can be bundle with, to make the financing sources can see it as business worthwhile case.

 

[Ananda]

Yudi Supriyono (@yudisupri_454) on X

1/ Akhirnya terkomfirmasi bahwa ini adalah Full Scale Prototype, bukan mock-up. Wahana udara bernama Vela Alpha EVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) ini adalah hasil kolaborasi PT Dirgantara Indonesia dan PT Vela Prima Nusantara dan akan tampil dalam Heli Expo Asia 2026

x.com

According to this, it is already Prototype and not mock up.

 

[Ananda]

Video

www.facebook.com

During the acceptance ceremony of the 1st C-130H that has been done heavy MRO (including box wing replacement and glass cockpit/avionics enhancement), Minister of Defence talk in video interview of getting Kertajati Airport as TNI-AU center for MRO.

This in line with Government intention to build new aerospace center move from Bandung to Kertajati.

Add:
It's nice to see the upgrade C-130H got similar paint as with C-130J. Not those old fashion glossy green camo.



Indonesia Defense Magazine shown picture of Collins Glass Cockpit upgrade.

Screen shoot from Defense Minister X account;

 

[Ananda]

New Russian tanker aircraft rolls out, Algeria contract cited

Footage has emerged showing the rollout of a new Il-78MK-90A aerial refueling tanker, apparently built in export configuration, according to posts circulating on Russian social media and aviation channels. Social media users have claimed the aircraft was built under an

defence-blog.com

@ComradeVortex It's been confirm according by Dylan Mysalov that:

1. The IL-78 is really for export customer, thus it's IL-78MK-90A,
2. The export customer is not China, India or Indonesia as many netizen enthusiats speculate, however it is Algeria.

So for those Indonesian enthusiats that still hoping for A330 MRTT can take some relieve. Cause if this IL-78 rumours happening, it will be at cost for A330 MRTT and potentially not 2nd batch A400M.

Africa’s second most powerful military emerges as likely buyer of Russia’s new Il-78 tanker aircraft after receiving Su-57 stealth fighter jets

Months after delivering the first Su-57E stealth fighters to Algeria, Russia has unveiled a new Il-78MK-90A aerial refuelling tanker in export configuration, raising speculation that the aircraft could join Algeria’s growing fleet of Russian-built military aircraft and support systems

africa.businessinsider.com

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

View attachment 55421

From Yudi S online account, DI prototype (or mock-up ?) for Air Taxi EVTOL automated drones. In this DI working with an Aero start up company Vela Indonesia. Just shown other drone project thar DI working on asside MAKE UCAV Elang Hitam (Black Eagle).

After many years, the development of the Elang Hitam UAV is "still ongoing", with almost no progress at all. So i am very skeptical that a start up company, with a brandnew design out of nowhere, can do it successfully. At least they can pose in photos in a stupid way.

Here some videos of C-130s and A400Ms, and a video of the open day at Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase.

 

[ComradeVortex]

however it is Algeria.

Algerian guys say it's not yet confirmed because the AAF is also interested in the A330 MRTT

 

[Ananda]

BRIN - Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional

Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional

www.brin.go.id

I use to have some optimism with Lapan roket project few years back especially during SBY era. They have shown road map to get into Satellite Launch Vehicle by this time around. After Jokowi era, and later on all research agencies being merge to one research agency (BRIN), more bureaucracy barrier and fought on RnD budget push back Rocket/Satellite Launch Vehicle plan.

Not really sure after Prabowo taking control what budget for RnD that BRIN will get. Seems now Prabowo administration give more RnD budget directly to users (like MinDef) rather than through research agency under BRIN. Thus let see this second stages rocket development. Under previous road map, this should be done in previous decade.

BRIN - Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional

Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional

www.brin.go.id

Seems they are more successful on satellite program then with rocketry. The plan NEO-1 Satellite will be their 4th satellite, and presumably will use India Rocket to be launch to orbit.

 

[Ananda]

https://jakartaglobe.id/news/indonesia-and-china-agree-on-more-joint-military-drills-and-personnel-exchanges

Indonesia and China have agreed to strengthen defense industry cooperation as part of efforts to develop Indonesia’s long-term defense capabilities, said Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin on Friday.

Put it here as it is rumours the Industry Cooperation going to be related to J-10B, and the upgrade program to make it as J-10CE standard. Again this is only speculation base on rumours of what being offered by Chinese Sales Brokerage in here.

Either way, all back to financing package, but seems on strategic level, the defense agreement between China and Japan are on same level, but less then with Australia. The level of access, training and human resources on each agreement will determine the strategic level.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

BRIN - Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional

Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional

www.brin.go.id

I use to have some optimism with Lapan roket project few years back especially during SBY era. They have shown road map to get into Satellite Launch Vehicle by this time around. After Jokowi era, and later on all research agencies being merge to one research agency (BRIN), more bureaucracy barrier and fought on RnD budget push back Rocket/Satellite Launch Vehicle plan.

Not really sure after Prabowo taking control what budget for RnD that BRIN will get. Seems now Prabowo administration give more RnD budget directly to users (like MinDef) rather than through research agency under BRIN. Thus let see this second stages rocket development. Under previous road map, this should be done in previous decade.

BRIN - Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional

Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional

www.brin.go.id

Seems they are more successful on satellite program then with rocketry. The plan NEO-1 Satellite will be their 4th satellite, and presumably will use India Rocket to be launch to orbit.

Thank you for sharing, the launch of LAPAN-A4/NEO-1 was originally planned for December 2024, so i thought it was cancelled or put on hold, like many programs during Jokowi-era. Specially defence, science and technology programs/projects were sacrificed for infrastructure projects and the new capital.

Also the current administration gives an impression of being chaotic, so i hope science and technology development will not once again be sacrificed for expensive programs like MBG and inefficiency of use of the state budget.