3-7-2024 (JAKARTA) Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono made a significant visit to Baykar Technology in Istanbul. The visit, which took place on 29th June 2024, focused on exploring the Turkish company’s advanced combat drones and artificial intelligence (AI) systems for air defence.
During his tour of the facility, Marshal Harjono was given a comprehensive overview of Baykar’s latest innovations. A highlight of the visit was a simulation demonstration of the Bayraktar Akinci Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), showcasing the drone’s impressive capabilities.
The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) reported that their Chief of Staff received detailed briefings on the various unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) produced by Baykar. This private Turkish defence company has gained international recognition for its contributions to drone technology.
Marshal Harjono emphasised that the purpose of his visit was to gain insights into the latest developments in UAV technology and AI applications in air defence. This aligns with Indonesia’s broader strategy to enhance its air defence capabilities and stay abreast of technological advancements in the field.
The Air Force chief expressed hope that this visit would serve to strengthen the bilateral ties between Indonesia and Turkey, particularly in the realm of defence technology cooperation.
Baykar Technology, as noted on its official website, holds the distinction of being the first producer of Turkey’s indigenous UAVs. The company boasts an impressive track record, having delivered over 500 UAVs since its inception in 1986. With a workforce exceeding 4,500 employees, Baykar prides itself on its self-financed research and development activities and a remarkable 93 percent localisation rate in production.
The company’s capabilities extend beyond mere production, encompassing the complete design and development of UAV systems, including aerial platforms and ground components with their respective subsystems.