Also worth noting KF-21 Prototype may be shipped to Indonesia in around mid-2026. News from a Defense consultant & former jane’s representative. Fairly reputable
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3rd ASEAN Military Naval Exercise kicked off last Aug. 15, 2025 hosted by Malaysia:
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Apparently old news? But i havent seen it posted before today so i dunno, maybe it went under the radar.
Anyway got some Details on the TF KAAN jet. TLDR it’ll be a unique Indonesian variant fitted w/ Turkish Engines. Some units will also be domestically assembled in Indonesia.
All of the bolded words are things of note. We’re using the same tactics we used for the NC-212 prop aircraft, first domestically assembled then we manufacture it ourselves. I’m like 90% confident now that we’re planning on making our own fighter jets.
Istanbul, July 26, 2025 – The Indonesian Ministry of Defense (KEMHAN RI) has formalized a strategic agreement with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) for the procurement of up to 48 (forty-eight) fifth-generation KAAN fighter jets. This historic agreement not only covers the acquisition of low-observable, multi-role fighter aircraft for the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU), but also provides a complete ecosystem encompassing training, technical support, and long-term maintenance in-house.
The KAAN fighter jet is designed as a high-performance, all-weather, twin-engine air superiority aircraft. With high maneuverability, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and an internal weapons bay to maintain a stealth profile, the KAAN is part of a sophisticated fifth-generation fighter aircraft capable of being relied upon in modern airspace scenarios.
The 48 KAANs will be produced in a special “Indonesian Variant” configuration with Turkish-made engines. Indonesia will also build and operate a local flight simulator to support training and system integration. This package includes comprehensive training for pilots, technicians, and ground crew, as well as long-term after-sales service, technical engineering support, and integrated logistics.
Two national defense industry entities, PT Republik Aero Dirgantara (PT RAD) and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), have been appointed as the main partners in the domestic implementation of this program.
PT RAD: National Infrastructure, Investment, and Training
As a subsidiary of Republikorp, PT RAD will be responsible for:
- Construction of the main MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility for KAAN fighter jets in Indonesia.
- Operation of training centers and simulators to support the readiness of Indonesian Air Force personnel.
- Enhancing independent and sustainable domestic support capacity.
“As the appointed PT, we are ready to be the main bridge for KAAN technology transfer to Indonesia. This is a strategic momentum to bring manufacturing capabilities and increase independent domestic support capacity,” said Norman Joesoef, Chairman of Republikorp.
PTDI, as a national strategic State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN), plays a crucial role in:
- Final assembly of some KAAN units at PTDI facilities.
- Engineering collaboration and technology sharing with TUSAŞ.
- Technical readiness and industrial maintenance, to strengthen national logistics support.
With technological leadership from TUSAŞ as OEM and design authority, and investment and industrial contributions from PT RAD and PTDI, Indonesia is moving forward as a nation capable of independently developing and maintaining advanced air defense systems.
This collaborative structure reflects a major transformation in Indonesia’s defense industry—from a purchasing nation to a developer and owner of future strategic air defense capabilities.
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RTAF Unveils New Emblem for Squadron 102 as Gripen E/F Joins the Fleet
Description
Spoiler
The Grand Return of Squadron 102 #GripenEF – A Power to Strengthen Thailand’s National Security
“We will stop the daring enemy.”
The new emblem of 102 Squadron, Wing 1 (Korat) has been unveiled, symbolizing the legacy of Project “PEACE BURAPHA.”
Details:
- “PEACE BURAPHA” (Eastern Peace) is the name of the project initiated by Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Patanakul, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force. It represents the acquisition of multirole fighter aircraft to be stationed at 102 Squadron, Wing 1, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. These fighters will be a crucial force in safeguarding Thailand’s eastern and northeastern regions bordering neighboring countries, thereby contributing to long-term regional stability.
- The RTAF wings in the emblem represent the era when the Air Force adopted the vision “Unbeatable Air Force,” which coincided with the start of a fighter/attack aircraft replacement program in 2025.
- The roundel of the Thai national flag signifies Thailand, as displayed on all Royal Thai Air Force aircraft.
- The two twin stars (known as “STARS”) are the traditional call sign and emblem of 102 Squadron. This symbol has been in use since 2002, when the F-16 ADF entered service, and the squadron’s mission was still defined as an interceptor unit.
- The new emblem includes the title “102 Tactical Fighter Squadron,” signifying the future role of Squadron 102 as a tactical fighter unit capable of multirole missions in both Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground combat.
- The squadron’s motto is: “We will stop the daring enemy.”
- The 12 golden stars around the circle honor 12 Squadron, which was originally based at Wing 1, Don Mueang. That squadron had a distinguished combat record before relocating to Wing 1, Nakhon Ratchasima, on October 24, 1976, where it remains today.
- The inscription “JAS 39 GRIPEN E/F – RTAF” refers to the Gripen E/F variant to be inducted into the Royal Thai Air Force. In the emblem, the central high-speed aircraft is depicted carrying Meteor, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and IRIS-T air-to-air missiles—representing state-of-the-art weaponry.
#RoyalThaiAirForce will continue to advance its capabilities to ensure strength and effectiveness in countering present and future threats, safeguarding Thailand’s skies, land, and people.
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It’s Official! Historic Thai-Swedish Deal: Thailand to Acquire Gripen E/F Fighters
Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Patanakun, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, signed a government-to-government (G2G) contract with Sweden’s FMV and Saab for the purchase of Gripen E/F fighter jets to strengthen national defense.
The agreements were signed with Mr. Mikael Granholm, Director General of FMV, and Mr. Micael Johansson, CEO of Saab, as well as Mr. Lars Tossman, Head of Business Area Aeronautics, Saab. Thai Foreign Minister Mr. Maris Sangiampong served as a witness to the signing at 12:20 PM at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm on 25th August 2025.
The procurement project, named “Peace Burapha”, will see the new fighter jets enter service in 2029, assigned to Wing 102, Air Force Base 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima, to secure Thailand’s eastern and northeastern borders.
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Cultural exchange between the Royal Thai Marine Recon Battalion and the Indonesian Navy Special Forces. XD
Spoiler
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Does Thailand operate Meteor?
missile? probably will buy it after we get Gripen E/F.
Gripen C/Ds still use Aim-120 and Iris-T
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Yes.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Warthunder/comments/1n3w5i9/mikes_bit_extended_249_leaks/
TEARS IN MY EYES
FINALLY AN INDONESIAN VEHICLE
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I hope it gets its FFAR rockets, so at least it wouldn’t be just another copy-paste
Images
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Definitely nice to see Japan, Thailand and Indonesia respectively would make for fun additions
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North Vietnamese ZIL-151 trucks equipped with quad-mounted M20 recoilless rifles
Interestingly, this was a parade that took place on January 1st, 1955, meaning that the rifles in question were likely taken from the French during the First Indochina War.
Edit: It just occurred to me that the North Vietnamese also used stocks of Chinese copied M20s known as the Type 52, so I may be wrong about the whole “captured from the French” theory.
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Imma be honest the possibility of getting a Indonesian vehicle and the implications it would have are almost equally or more exciting than the thai-subtree for me.
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it definitely has a pretty big potential both currently and in the future
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I bear news, i’d say its pretty bad one unfortunately
J-10 is apparently a done deal, 42 aircrafts, scheduled to arrive in 2026
Indonesia: Chinese fighter jets ready to land in JakartaAlthough not officially confirmed by the Indonesian and Chinese authorities, the contract for the delivery of J-10 fighter jets to Jakarta is gradually being put in place. Meanwhile, Paris and Ankara are also hoping to finalise their own fighter jet sales to Indonesia.Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is expected to attend the massive military parade in Beijing on 3 September, bringing with him a significant gift: the resumption of the contract for the purchase of Chinese fighter jets. Delivery of the first Chinese-made J-10 aircraft is now set for 2026. Several sources close to the Indonesian Air Force have confirmed this to Intelligence Online.The contract is for 42 aircraft, built by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG). Pilots from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will train their Indonesian counterparts, as Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin confirmed in early June. Ultimately, these aircraft will fly alongside the first 42 French Rafale aircraft Indonesia bought in 2022.Franco-Turkish competitionSigned several months ago, the J-10 contract was temporarily lost in bilateral limbo, as financing for the acquisition proved difficult to finalise. While this aspect of the agreement remains unclear, it will be financed through Chinese payment facilities.However, according to our sources, the Indonesian budget for the J-10 contract is not coming from the same pot as the money set aside for a possible new order of French Rafale fighter jets, for which a non-binding agreement was signed by President Emmanuel Macron at the end of May in Jakarta.This is however deceptive good news for Dassault Aviation, as the budget set aside for the potential purchase of French fighters could yet be seriously depleted. Jakarta is considering using this money to finance the purchase of 48 Turkish Kaan fighter jets. Indonesia signed an agreement to this effect on 26 July, also providing for the planes to be assembled in Java. But here too, the project is currently non-binding.
Same source who broke the original news of the Indonesian Bastille day disagreement w/ France (which was confirmed to be true later from Indonesian sources). Money used is not the same budget as the Rafale, so both can be pursued further.
I have heard rumors of the F-16V upgrade by Turkey (Ozgur) is being blocked by the US. And apparently this was the consequence of it. Certainly not ideal. I pray that its at least J-10CE and not used J-10As
Also worth noting that the president said he cancelled the trip to China just a couple of days ago due to current events, but as of writing is currently flying there anyway most likely due to this deal
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As leaks of Indonesia making an appearance on Japan’s TT surface, the question of where ASEAN fits once again becomes a topic ripe for discussion.
Personally, I still stand with the entire 5-nation grouping of the ASEAN Founders that already has its own subtree proposal, but realistically, three nations within that group have the strongest foundation to be included under Japan’s TT as it exists right now. (Malaysia and Singapore unfortunately has pretty weak reasons if viewed separately from ASEAN Founders)
- First off, Thailand is already an implemented subtree and an ally of Japan in WWII.
- Indonesia, meanwhile, arguably has even deeper ties, having made extensive use of Japanese equipment post-war and, for better or worse, it was Japan’s occupation that allowed the Indonesian national identity and armed forces to take shape.
- The Philippines, while under very harsh conditions, was technically given “independence” through the formation of the Second Philippine Republic. In more recent times, Japan and the Philippines have grown into close partners, with the Reciprocal Access Agreement, widely considered the closest thing Japan has to a formal military alliance under Article 9, taking full effect this September, alongside Tokyo’s role as the Philippine Coast Guard’s biggest partner. (I’ll post updates on this soon when it becomes available)
Still, for the ASEAN peeps as a whole, I fully welcome the appearance of Indonesia in-game. Hopefully Vietnam can also be fleshed out with more vehicles in the future (Belated Happy National Day btw).
I wonder what are others’ opinions on Indonesia appearing in Japan’s TT?
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lowkey personally the Mi-35P shouldve been another marquee vehicle like the NBO105 or even the AH-64E (which is coming this patch to the US tree anyway) but generally im pretty stoked for it
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Do you think Indonesia’s ground and air vehicles will arrive? Or only get a part of it, just like Denmark did with Sweden?