The First Steel Cutting Ceremony for Indonesia’s Fast Attack Craft Missiled (KCR-70M) produced by Turkish company TAIS with HAVELSAN Combat Management System, was held at Şefine Shipyard.
The event was attended by Achmad Rizal Purnama, Ambassador of the Republic Indonesia to the Republic of Türkiye, Rear Admiral Retiono Kunto, Special Staff to the Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff, Demir Kologlu, CEO and Member of the Board of Directors of Şefine Shipyard, Orkun Kalkavan, CEO of TAIS Shipyard, Mehmet Akif Nacar, CEO of HAVELSAN, Doğan Beşcan, Managing Director of TAIS Shipyards, and Bilkutay Yilmaz, Head of Department of Naval Platform of Turkish Defense Industries Agency.
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
In his speech, Ambassador Rizal highlighted that, given the strategic importance of the defense sector, this collaboration symbolizes the mutual trust built between Indonesia and Türkiye. He also noted that defense collaborations enhance the ability of Indonesia and Türkiye to contribute to peace and stability within their regions and beyond. “This defense industry collaboration marks the beginning of a new era in Indonesia-Türkiye defense relations, promising a lasting impact on regional stability and offering a dynamic partnership that will shape both nations’ roles on the international stage,” Rizal said.
COOPERATION IN THE DEFENSE SECTOR
The defense sector remains one of the most strategic areas of cooperation between Indonesia and Türkiye, with increasing collaboration, particularly in the joint development and production of defense products. Turkish and Indonesian defense industries have jointly developed the Medium Weight Tank (MMWT) Kaplan/Harimau and ANKA drones. Furthermore, the joint venture “Turkish Aerospace Indonesia” was officially launched in August 2024 in the Indonesian city of Bandung.
Following discussions between Indonesian President Joko Widodo and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the Indonesian President’s visit to Ankara from July 29-31, 2024, the two countries are planning further defense collaborations. These collaborations are expected to include the production and development of a Frigate Warship, 5th Generation Fighter Jet KAAN, submarines, Akıncı and Kızılelma drones, a Combat Simulation Training Center, and the modernization of Leopard and AMX tanks, as well as exchange programs for students and researchers in aerospace technology and nuclear energy.
