Indonesian Aerospace and Havelsan Forge Strategic Defense Partnership to Develop AEW&C Aircraft and Flight Simulators

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id – Indonesian Aerospace, the state-owned aerospace manufacturer, is set to advance its aerospace capabilities through a strategic partnership with Turkish defense technology firm Havelsan.

The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in Jakarta on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, focuses on the development of airborne early warning and command (AEW&C) aircraft and advanced flight simulators—both critical to Indonesia’s long-term defense strategy.

Indonesian Aerospace President Director Gita Amperiawan emphasized that the agreement marks a significant step toward strengthening Indonesia’s domestic aerospace industry, aligning with the company’s 50-year strategic plan.

“We see a strategic need for Indonesia to develop AEW&C aircraft. Indonesian Aerospace already has experience in aircraft system integration, and this collaboration with Turkey allows us to further strengthen our capabilities by combining the technologies of both countries,” Gita told Investortrust.id following the signing ceremony.

AEW&C aircraft are designed to provide long-range detection of aircraft, ships, and vehicles, significantly enhancing a country’s surveillance and command capabilities. In addition to aircraft development, the partnership extends to flight simulators, which will enhance pilot training and reduce Indonesia’s reliance on foreign training programs.

Integrating Turkish Technology with Indonesian Expertise

The collaboration brings together two defense industries with complementary strengths. By leveraging Turkey’s advancements in avionics, information technology, and military systems, and integrating them with Indonesian Aerospace’s domestic manufacturing and assembly capabilities, the project aims to deliver a sophisticated AEW&C system tailored to Indonesia’s needs.

“We will modify and integrate the system to ensure it is effectively adopted for Indonesia’s defense operations,” Gita added.

Beyond enhancing Indonesia’s surveillance capabilities, the AEW&C project aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to optimize budget efficiency in defense procurement. Gita affirmed that Indonesian Aerospace is committed to maximizing the use of local resources in the development process.

“We see that all strategic plans for fulfilling defense equipment needs this year can be supported by optimizing local industry capabilities,” he noted.

Additionally, the flight simulator development under this agreement will provide advanced training infrastructure for Indonesian pilots and aircraft operators, further strengthening national defense readiness.

 

Expanding Business and Global Defense Market Opportunities

From a business perspective, the partnership presents vast opportunities for Indonesian Aerospace, both domestically and internationally.

“The prospects are excellent. As a pre-contractor, Indonesian Aerospace identifies multiple business opportunities with Turkey that can be further explored,” Gita said.

By integrating Turkey’s defense expertise with Indonesia’s aerospace ambitions, the agreement not only strengthens bilateral industrial cooperation but also positions Indonesian Aerospace as a key player in the global defense technology sector. The company sees this collaboration as an important step toward increasing Indonesia’s self-sufficiency in military aircraft manufacturing and advancing its role in the international defense market.

With Indonesia’s growing focus on developing its defense industry, this partnership is poised to create long-term benefits, fostering innovation, job creation, and technology transfer—solidifying Indonesia’s position as a regional aerospace hub.

Indonesian Aerospace and Havelsan

Indonesian Aerospace, known for its CN-235 aircraft, is a state-owned aerospace manufacturer specializing in aircraft production, system integration, and defense technology. The CN-235, a twin-turboprop aircraft used for military transport, maritime patrol, and surveillance, has been widely adopted by various countries. With decades of experience, Indonesian Aerospace plays a crucial role in Southeast Asia’s aviation industry.

Havelsan, a leading Turkish defense and aerospace company, specializes in software-intensive defense systems, avionics, and command-and-control solutions. Its most renowned product, the Havelsan Genesis combat management system, is deployed in the Turkish Navy and integrated into multiple international defense platforms. Through this partnership, Indonesian Aerospace and Havelsan aim to merge their strengths in aerospace manufacturing and military technology, further advancing Indonesia’s surveillance and air defense capabilities.