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Indonesia Becomes First Foreign Buyer of Baykar’s Kizilelma Drone Fighter With Ukrainian Engine
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Indonesia has become the first foreign buyer of Baykar’s Kizilelma unmanned fighter aircraft, ordering 12 drones with an option for four more.
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According to Defense Express on May 6, citing Turkish defense outlet SavunmaSanayiST, the agreement was signed during the SAHA 2026 defense exhibition in Istanbul between Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar and Indonesian company PT Republik Aero Dirgantara, also known as Republkorp. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2028.
The deal reportedly includes plans to establish localized production capabilities and a maintenance and repair center in Indonesia. Defense Express noted that Baykar and Republkorp had previously signed an agreement in 2025 covering joint production of Bayraktar TB3 and Akinci drones.
The Kizilelma drones acquired by Indonesia are expected to operate primarily with the country’s navy and could become part of the future air wing of the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi. Italy formally approved the transfer of the retired carrier to Indonesia on April 28.
The ship, decommissioned by the Italian Navy in 2024, previously operated AV-8B Harrier II vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Indonesian modernization plans reportedly include expanded use of unmanned aerial systems aboard the vessel.
Turkey is also preparing to integrate Baykar drones, including the Kizilelma and Bayraktar TB3, into the air wing of its own amphibious assault ship, TCG Anadolu.
According to Defense Express, production versions of the Kizilelma are equipped with the Ukrainian-made AI-322F engine developed by Ivchenko-Progress, replacing the less powerful AI-25TLT engines used on the first three prototypes. The first Kizilelma PT4 prototype fitted with the AI-322F completed its maiden flight in May 2025.
Earlier, Baykar released footage of its Bayraktar Akinci strike drone conducting tests with Ukrainian-made AI-450T turboprop engines and advanced Turkish loitering munitions. The drone successfully carried out precision strike tests using Alpagut and Eren smart munitions, while demonstrating long-range and high-altitude capabilities powered by Ukrainian engines.
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