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Turkish drone giant Baykar signed its first export agreement for the Bayraktar Kizilelma unmanned combat aircraft (UCA) at the SAHA 2026 International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition on Wednesday.
The framework deal with Indonesia's PT Republik Aero Dirgantara covers the delivery of an initial 12-aircraft squadron beginning in 2028, with options for an additional 48 aircraft and local production and maintenance facilities in Indonesia.
"We have signed an export agreement for Bayraktar Kizilelma for the first time, together with Indonesia," Baykar CEO and SAHA Istanbul Chairman Haluk Bayraktar said at the signing ceremony.
"We are proud of this on behalf of our country and our brotherly nation, Indonesia," he added.
Bayraktar stated that the agreement targets delivery of a 12-aircraft Kizilelma squadron beginning in 2028, with an additional option for four squadrons, 48 aircraft in total, built into the framework for future procurement.
"Here, it is not only the supply of the systems but also the establishment of a local production and maintenance center in Indonesia," he noted.
The deal follows agreements Baykar signed with Indonesia last year covering the Bayraktar TB2 and Bayraktar Akinci, making Kizilelma the third distinct Baykar platform included in bilateral defense cooperation with Jakarta.
Bayraktar noted that the TB2 had become the world's most exported unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system in its category and that Kizilelma represented the company's advance into unmanned fighter jet technology.
"Bayraktar Kizilelma made its first flight in 2022. Since then, intensive flight activities have continued. Serial production was completed last year and our goal this year is to place Kizilelma into service for Türkiye," Bayraktar said.
Republikorp Group Chairman Norman Joesoef welcomed the agreement, saying the company was "very eager" to continue cooperation between the two sides.
Bayraktar Kizilelma has a maximum takeoff weight of 8,500 kilograms and a payload capacity of 1,500 kilograms.
It features a low radar cross-section, high maneuverability and an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system.
Its combat radius is 500 nautical miles, with a cruise speed of Mach 0.6 and a maximum speed of Mach 0.9, with a service ceiling of 45,000 feet.
The platform can carry air-to-air missiles, guided munitions, standoff weapons and cruise missiles, and is capable of autonomous takeoff, landing, cruise and taxi operations. Baykar said development work is ongoing to enable Kizilelma to operate from aircraft carriers.
Separately at SAHA 2026, Turkish defense giant Aselsan signed two contracts with Indonesian authorities.
The agreements, signed by Aselsan Deputy General Manager Ozgur Taylan Sari and PT Republic Director Ivandry Febriando Sitepo, cover unmanned naval vehicle payloads for the Indonesian Navy and mission-critical communication systems for the Indonesian Armed Forces, supplying domestically developed Aselsan technologies to Jakarta.
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