The agreement will provide the five-bladed variant of the aircraft to the state-owned aerospace firm PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), which will lead the distribution to the service.

The local firm will manage reassembly of the mission equipment and other specialized configurations at its center in Bandung prior to the commissioning.

Upon deployment, the fleet will be used for light search and rescue missions as well as training programs.

“We are honoured by Indonesia’s selection of the country’s first Airbus H145 for its new training fleet,” Airbus Helicopters Asia-Pacific Head Vincent Dubrule stated.

“We are fully confident that the highly versatile H145 will make a positive impact in enhancing its military pilot training and at the same time be a critical enabler for its search-and-rescue operations.”

Continuing Partnership

The latest contract continues Airbus’ approximately five decades of partnership with PTDI and the Indonesian government.

After Jakarta’s first helicopter procurement from the French company in the 1970s, Airbus eventually became a “key supplier” of rotorcraft fuselages and airframes for the country.

Airbus inaugurated its local full production operations in Indonesia in 2011 and expanded its manufacturing, maintenance, and overhaul support for the nation’s specific helicopter fleets six years later.

“This collaboration not only strengthens the long-standing partnership between PTDI and Airbus, but also showcases our commitment to providing innovative and reliable solutions for national operational needs,” PTDI President Director Gita Amperiawan commented on the latest deal.

“Through this close partnership, PTDI will not only support the delivery of the H145 helicopters but will also enhance our capabilities in terms of integration and assembly at our facilities.”

“We are confident that this cooperation will create new opportunities for the development of the national aerospace industry and further sustain the long-term relationship between PTDI and Airbus, which we continue to strengthen for a more advanced future.”

The Airbus H145

The H145 has an overall length of 43 feet (13 meters) and a wingspan of 36 feet (11 meters).

It can carry up to 10 personnel and cargo weighing up to 3,500 pounds (1,588 kilograms).

The aircraft is equipped with a twin Turbomeca Arriel 2E engine and has a fuel capacity of up to 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms) for a top speed of 143 knots (265 kilometers/165 miles per hour) and altitudes up to 12,550 feet (3,825 meters).

Through Airbus’ proprietary HForce weapon suite, users can equip the helicopter with helmet-mounted sight and display solutions, an electro-optical target tracking and firing system, cannons, rockets, machine guns, as well as laser-guided, air-to-ground, and air-to-air missiles.

The post Airbus to Deliver H145 Helicopters to Indonesian Air Force appeared first on The Defense Post.

The ministry’s department head of ideological work Alexander Ivanov shared his suspicions on the national talk show, Po Suschestvu, during a discussion about potential targets for spies.

“Where do you think there were the most Pokémon at that time?” he asked before stating that the bulk of virtual Pokémon were present at the “territory of the 50th air base, where the runway is, where there is a lot of military aviation equipment.”

Pokémon GO relies on GPS tracking as it invites users to turn on location and use their phone camera to search their physical surroundings and collect virtual pocket monsters.

The mobile game was developed as a collaboration among Niantic Inc., Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company.

Privacy Concerns

Since the game’s release in 2016, several governments and individuals have been wary of the game’s data-gathering capabilities.

It requires uninterrupted use of user location and camera and “full access” to Google accounts on Apple devices, which garnered multiple data privacy concerns.

At the height of the game’s popularity, Indonesian State Intelligence Agency director Sutiyoso commented that the location-based mobile game poses national security risks, although security experts and analysts did not share this view.

Egypt, Kuwait, and other Middle Eastern governments echoed similar concerns and warned players to avoid sensitive sites.

The US also established procedures preventing civilians from trespassing onto military bases and preventing service members from entering restricted areas to catch Pokémons as these might expose confidential information.

In the year of its release, Russia asserted that the mobile game was a security risk, claiming that it was part of a CIA plot.

Niantic, the game’s software developer company, is headed by former Google Geo division executive John Hanke. 

Hanke was tangled up in conspiracy theories because his former company Keyhole (later acquired by Google) received funding from various sources, including the CIA’s venture capital arm, In-Q-Tel.

However, Niantic denied the allegations and informed The Register that the game “only accesses basic Google profile information (specifically, your User ID and email address) and no other Google account information is or has been accessed or collected.”

In 2022, the year Russia invaded Ukraine, Niantic shut down game operations in the Russian and Belarus markets.

“We stand with the global community in hoping for peace and a rapid resolution to the violence and suffering in Ukraine. Niantic’s games are no longer available for download in Russia and Belarus, and gameplay will also be suspended there shortly,” the company tweeted on March 11 of that year. 

The post Belarus Claims AR Game ‘Pokémon GO’ Spied on its Military Assets appeared first on The Defense Post.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo ordered the launch of the segment, according to Jakarta’s news agency Antara, with National Armed Forces Commander Gen. Agus Subiyanto confirming this in a recent meeting with the House of Representatives.

The branch will add to an existing cyber unit that is already “highly dependent on the capability of human resources.”

“I have been ordered by the president, following his speech at the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), to create the cyber military force,” Subiyanto stated.

The framework for a new cybersecurity body will involve the integration of centers in each military branch and all primary armed forces headquarters.

Recruits for the program will include civilians, with the majority to be sourced from high school and university graduates, according to the general.

Strategy on Track

Jakarta’s initiative follows evaluations by government officials and cybersecurity experts to form a fourth military branch specializing in the digital domain.

The effort is expected to adapt Indonesia’s defense assets to the evolving “cyber war” and further protect the country’s economy.

In July 2024, discussions intensified after the nation encountered its largest cyber attack, which affected major airports, immigration operations, and about 230 public agencies.

Cooperation With US

Before this recent announcement, Indonesia signed a bilateral defense agreement with the US Department of Defense to heighten the Southeast Asian country’s cyber competitiveness.

The partnership allows for continuous proficiency programs related to cyberspace, with additional applications to be explored for future tools and objectives.

“Cyber is one of those areas where you don’t have to be an enormous country with a significant inventory of armament,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin commented on the teaming agreement.

“You can bring capability to the table in the cyber domain even if you’re a smaller country with limited capability.”

The post Indonesia to Form Cyber Military Branch appeared first on The Defense Post.

The pact — which includes provisions for joint drills and each military operating in the other country — was unveiled as Indonesian defense minister and president-elect Prabowo Subianto visited Canberra.

Prabowo, who will take the reins of the world’s third-largest democracy in October, said he wanted to forge closer ties with Canberra while following the “general policies” of his predecessor Joko Widodo.

He singled out the need for Australian help in areas such as agriculture, food security, and international drug trafficking.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said the defense agreement, expected to be formally signed in the coming days, was one of the most significant agreements ever negotiated between the two neighbors.

“This historic treaty… will be a vital plank for our two countries to support each other’s security,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Indonesia and Australia have been hashing out the defense agreement since February last year.

The post Australia, Indonesia Agree Defense Pact appeared first on The Defense Post.

Discussions are ongoing in Jakarta about creating a fourth military branch, with former National Resilience Institute governor Andi Widjajanto saying the proposed move is now becoming inevitable.

He also said that state and non-state entities appeared to be capable of mounting attacks on the country through cyberspace, so it is “crucial for the government to act swiftly on this idea.”

Meanwhile, State Intelligence College cybersecurity expert Pratama Persada explained the dangers of cyberwar, saying an attack launched in cyberspace can rapidly cripple a country’s economy.

It is also a type of attack that could not be countered with conventional weapons, making its targets more vulnerable.

‘Biggest Cyberattack’

Debates about forming a separate cyber force come as Indonesia experienced its “biggest cyberattack yet” late last month.

A ransomware attack disrupted multiple government services in Jakarta, including immigration and operations at major airports.

The government revealed that more than 230 public agencies had been affected, though the attackers were not able to receive their demanded $8-million ransom.

The Indonesian Armed Forces already has a cyber unit, but its activities are only internal and meant to support the military’s core systems.

Even so, it is still vulnerable to cyberattacks, as some media outlets reported a recent hacking attempt on the military’s Strategic Intelligence Agency.

The post Indonesia Urged to Create Separate Military Branch for Cyber Warfare appeared first on The Defense Post.

The two companies will be launching a Centre of Excellence to develop radars and command and control systems, eventually helping the venture launch a national Air Operations Centre.

The partnership is also expected to eventually delve into other military capabilities, including C4ISR, military satellites, electronic warfare, national data links, and national combat management systems.

Other related services for the program such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities will be carried out at PT Len’s site in Subang, western Indonesia.

Thales International President and CEO Pascale Sourisse highlighted the importance of establishing the company’s presence in Indonesia in its defense posture.

“This joint venture will bring the best of both worlds, from Thales’ technological expertise, to PT LEN’s acumen and knowledge of local defence needs and challenges of our Indonesian end users,” Sourisse said.

Indonesia’s Air Capabilities

Indonesia has been on a “weapon-buying spree” in recent years to boost its air defense posture.

In 2023, the country ordered 13 Ground Master 400 Alpha long-range military radars from Thales to bolster its airspace surveillance efforts across the archipelago.

It also received eight Airbus H225M helicopters the same year to support the air force’s transport missions. The aircraft were assembled by local aerospace group PT Dirgantara Indonesia.

Jakarta is also currently offering some of its capabilities to allied countries. In January, President Joko Widodo offered to sell some of the nation’s anti-submarine aircraft to the Philippines amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

The post Thales to Boost Indonesian Defense With New Joint Venture appeared first on The Defense Post.

The country’s defense acquisition agency stated the cut may be possible under the condition of providing fewer technology transfers to Jakarta, since the project’s estimated cost is about 500 billion Korean won ($366 million) cheaper than previously expected.

Indonesia has offered to pay $439 million for the program, a decrease from the $1.2 billion originally agreed upon.

Despite missing payment deadlines and manpower retention issues, it has since contributed around $220 million to the project.

Seoul estimates that the first batch of 4.5-generation fighters will enter service by 2026.

Previous Pushbacks

Part of South Korea’s adjustments to the KF-21 program includes cutting the fighter’s first batch of units from 40 down to 20.

The decision was made in March after feasibility concerns required the aircraft to undergo additional air-to-air missile and radar capability tests.

Despite opting for a staggered approach to producing the jets, the country expects to have over 120 KF-21 units by 2032.

The fighters will replace the Republic of Korea Air Force’s F-4 and F-5 fleet, some of which have been in service since 1969.

The post South Korea Mulls Indonesia’s KF-21 Budget Cut Proposal appeared first on The Defense Post.

The diesel-electric submarines, capable of carrying 18 torpedoes and missiles, will be built at the PT PAL shipyard in Indonesia, Naval Group said in a statement.

Under the deal, Naval Group will transfer its technological know-how while “the management, operation and maintenance will be conducted in Indonesia” by Indonesians, the company said.

The agreement will create thousands of long-term, high-skill jobs, Naval Group added.

“Naval Group is very honored to be part of this new chapter in the strategic alliance between Indonesia and France,” said the French firm’s chief executive, Pierre Eric Pommellet.

The vessels “will strengthen the country’s maritime sovereignty and support the Indonesian Navy in achieving regional superiority at sea,” he said.

“In addition to the submarines, our strategic partnership with PT PAL will also support the Indonesian defence industry to actively prepare the future of naval warfare in the country,” Pommellet added.

The post Indonesia Buys Two Submarines From France’s Naval Group appeared first on The Defense Post.

Fincantieri will serve as the prime contractor, coordinating with other industrial partners for the fitting of the ship’s combat systems and other logistic services.

The ships, currently under construction at the Integrated Shipyard in Riva Trigoso-Muggiano in Liguria, Italy, were originally built for the Italian Navy.

According to Fincantieri, Jakarta’s interest in the ships began after PPA Francesco Morosini stopped over in Indonesia in 2023 as part of its Far East maritime deployment.

“We view this as the first of many significant collaborative opportunities with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, following a long-term partnership approach thanks to the structural support of our institutions, starting with the Ministry of Defence and the Italian Navy,” Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero said.

Developing the PPAs

Designed for high-level modularity and automation, the PPAs are multi-purpose ships used in patrol, sea rescue, and first line fighting missions.

The OPVs have a range of 5,000 nautical miles (5,800 miles/9,300 kilometers) and can reach a maximum speed of 31.6 knots (36 miles/59 kilometers per hour).

Onboard armaments include an Oto 127 mm/64 Vulcano rapid-fire gun, two Oerlikon KBA B06 autocannons, and various anti-air and anti-ship missiles.

The class currently has three variants with varying displacements: the Full, Light+, and Light versions.

The post Indonesia Taps Italy’s Fincantieri for Two OPVs appeared first on The Defense Post.

Known as the Kaplan (Tiger), the armored vehicles were handed over by President-elect Prabowo Subianto during a recent ceremony.

According to the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, the tanks are equipped with 7.62-millimeter machine guns and two-man lightweight turrets.

They also boast laser warning systems, as well as increased ballistic and landmine protection.

Indonesia's military welcomes Turkish-made tanks, a result of joint development between Ankara and Jakarta. Partnership also extends to ANKA drones. A testament to bilateral cooperation in defense. #Türkiye #Indonesia https://t.co/0SFANz6aQv@tkucukcan pic.twitter.com/GzrduyCBr9

— Asya-Pasifik Araştırmaları (@Asyabulten) March 26, 2024

Turkish manufacturer FNSS said the “versatile” tanks will bridge the gap between main battle tanks and light armored vehicles, “offering a balanced solution” for modern military operations.

The first batch of Kaplan tanks was delivered to Jakarta in March 2022 as part of an agreement signed in 2015.

Increased Cooperation

In addition to the Kaplan tanks, Indonesia said it had inked a joint production deal with Turkey for 12 ANKA drones.

The unmanned platforms are expected to improve the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities of the Indonesian military.

The cooperation also reflects Jakarta’s acknowledgment of Turkey’s expertise in building cutting-edge systems for the military, the embassy said.

Previously, Indonesia signed a contract with Turkish missile manufacturer Roketsan for the supply of Khan tactical ballistic missiles.

The post Indonesian Army Receives Turkish-Made ‘Kaplan’ Tanks appeared first on The Defense Post.