Türkiye expands defense cooperation with Indonesia through strategic partnerships

Under the leadership of the Secretariat of Defense Industries (SSB), Türkiye’s top defense companies are broadening their strategic engagement with Indonesia.

The initiative follows high-level diplomatic exchanges, including recent reciprocal visits by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

The bilateral discussions have paved the way for expanded cooperation in defense, energy, health, infrastructure, and trade, with both countries signaling strong political will for long-term collaboration.

A roundtable meeting organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEIK) in Ankara brought together key Turkish and Indonesian defense stakeholders to evaluate joint opportunities.

Aselsan highlights dual-sector collaboration potential

Aselsan CEO Ahmet Akyol emphasized that Türkiye and Indonesia are leading powers in their regions and that their collaboration is growing in both defense and civilian sectors.

“Today we discussed various opportunities with companies from both the defense and civil sectors,” said Akyol. “In addition to our existing defense programs, Aselsan sees significant potential in civilian applications. I can confidently say that we will witness increasing cooperation in the coming period.”

Aselsan has recently launched a local unit in Indonesia to support its expanding operations.

TAI continues key aerospace projects in Indonesia

TAI CEO Mehmet Demiroglu confirmed that bilateral projects discussed during President Erdogan’s February visit are actively progressing.

“We are currently engaged in two major projects in Indonesia, one involving modernization and the other focused on the ANKA UAV system,” Demiroglu stated. “Talks are ongoing regarding other platforms, such as KAAN and Hurjet. We foresee cooperation expanding from defense into agriculture, healthcare, and beyond.”

Demiroglu also noted that the mutual intent expressed by both countries’ leaders should be seen as a strategic opportunity, especially in the context of a shifting global climate.

Havelsan to open permanent office in Indonesia

Havelsan CEO Mehmet Akif Nacar announced that the company will open a permanent office in Indonesia this year.

“After nearly a decade of project-based involvement, we’ve decided to establish a local office to facilitate partnerships with Indonesian firms,” Nacar said. “Indonesia is the most promising Southeast Asian country for our operations, and we are committed to achieving the strategic targets set by our president.”

Türkiye aims to become a long-term defense and tech partner

The broader goal is to build a sustainable partnership that extends beyond defense exports.

The Turkish defense sector, including major companies like Aselsan, TAI, Havelsan, Roketsan, and TAI, aims to leverage Türkiye’s growing technology and manufacturing capabilities to support Indonesia’s defense modernization and industrial development.

With decades of diplomatic and cultural ties, Türkiye and Indonesia are poised to translate their political goodwill into lasting defense and technological alliances.