Air Force to procure Bayraktar drones to bolster air defense: Official

Jakarta, August 1 (ANTARA) - Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Mohammad Tonny Harjono revealed that his side would purchase Turkish-made Bayraktar drones to strengthen Indonesia's air defense.

"We will buy the Bayraktar type 2. This Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has a MALE (medium-altitude long-endurance) capability with LOS (land of sight) and BILOS (beyond land of sight) capability," Harjono stated when met at the Halim Perdanakusuma area, East Jakarta, on Thursday.

According to the Air Marshal, the purchase of the Bayraktar drone could be confirmed after his recent visit to Baykar Technology in Istanbul, Turkiye.

He stated that the Turkish-made drone is qualified and suitable for use in surveillance and reconnaissance operations.

This Bayraktar drone will also improve the performance of the CH-4, Anka drone, which was earlier purchased by the Indonesian Air Force for air military operations.

However, Harjono did not divulge details about the number of units that will be purchased and the arrival date of the drone.

With the Bayraktar drone, he is confident that Indonesia's military power will be stronger in the era of high-tech main weapon systems.

Harjono and the Indonesian Air Force visited Baykar Technology in Istanbul, Turkiye, on June 29 to study drone technology and artificial intelligence.

Baykar Technologies is a company developing unmanned aircraft systems (UAVs) and artificial intelligence technology, which plays an important role in supporting Turkiye's defense capabilities.

During his visit, Harjono and his entourage attended a presentation by Baykar about their drone technology.

Harjono had the opportunity to witness various technology simulations through the Bayraktar Akinci flight demonstration.

During the visit, Harjono also discussed cooperation in strengthening air defense with the Commander of the Turkish Air Force, General Ziya Cemal Kadolu.

The discussion was carried out to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Turkiye through military cooperation via joint training, soldier exchanges for education, and the exchange of knowledge on the technology of the main weapon system.