Southeast Asian (ASEAN) Machinery Of War Discussion Thread

shitton of stuff for Indonesia happened recently so ill just rapid mention them

AIR FORCE

KAAN is officially purchased, no longer just an MoU

KAAN = Purchase contract ✅

INDONESIA & TÜRKİYE just finalized the sale of 48 TFX/MMU KAAN 5th-gen fighter jets in a ceremony at IDEF2025!

Indonesia Resmi Beli 48 Pesawat Tempur KAAN dari Turkiye
https://x.com/TurkishCentury/status/1949061161455890513

Deliveries with Turkish-made supercruising TEI-TF-35K turbofan engines are expected to begin in 2032 or earlier. Meanwhile, new facilities are to be set up in Indonesia, where TUSAS already operates an office, to get the brotherly Southeast Asian Muslim nation up to speed with “localization” efforts as part of a wider industrial partnership; allowing Jakarta to use both Turkish/NATO weapon & sensor systems as well as integrate its own.

Multiple Indonesian engineers are known to be employed in Turkish defense firms, including TUSAS, presumably already working as part of the KAAN program.

2nd and 3rd KAAN prototypes, expected to have their internal weapons bays and aerial refueling systems installed and feature minor design changes to the airframe, are scheduled to make their maiden flights in April and July of 2026, respectively.


OTHER SIDE OF EUROPE

First sighting of Rafale and A400M

First sighting of the Indonesian Rafale, specifically the F4 B Twin seat

sporting the serial number T-0301 (new letter designation). Spotted at Dassault factory in Bordeaux on 30th of July. The aircrafts are to be delivered in early 2026

Source: First Indonesian Rafale spotted

The Indonesian A400M’s first flight is also sighted

Source: https://x.com/FercleosSpotter/status/1950941945359962187




NEWS

Belarus Military Cooperation

rumors seems to be correct

Indonesia jalin kerja sama militer dengan Belarusia - ANTARA News

In an official broadcast received by ANTARA in Jakarta on Wednesday, it was explained that the meeting discussed various plans for military cooperation, ranging from joint training to the development of primary weapons system (alutsista) technology.

“The meeting was to discuss defense cooperation, particularly in defense industry development, military education and training, and technology exchange,” said Brigadier General Frega Wenas Inkiriwang, Head of the Information and Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Defense’s Secretariat General, when confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Frega continued, the two also discussed Indonesia’s participation in the MILEX-2025 event, a defense equipment exhibition held in Belarus.

Frega confirmed that Indonesia would send representatives to participate in the international exhibition.

“Indonesia’s participation through its accredited Defense Attaché to the Russian Federation and Belarus is expected to open the door to strengthening defense industry cooperation, particularly in the areas of technology transfer, weapons system development, and increasing national industrial capacity,” Frega said.




TECH

Indonesia to domestically produce Turkish SSM, Cruise Missile & Manpads

Indonesia signs agreement with Türkiye to produce Çakir cruise missiles for fast naval strike program

Indonesia will domestically produce the Atmaca (SSM), Çakır (Cruise Missile), and Sungur (MANPAD). These are to be equipped on the new stealth attack ship




ARMY

Image & Videos of new tank camos

In Batujajar for an Indonesian Armed Forces Ceremony, many of the vehicles are sporting a new old-school look (it seems to be a pretty big ordeal, considering all branches are present)

they’re seemingly based on the early 2000s-2010s three tone camo that we used to have, which I think is what they’re going for


Video version:


heres also an additional video of a Leopard2RI speeding in the dirt:


Closer look inside the Starstreak

Source: Redirecting...




Also two (out of 3) of my suggestion have been stuck in pending for about 1+ month now so I’ll probably wait a bit before continuing with the Badak Prototype

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UAE’s Rabdan 8x8

new toys for the Indonesian Marine Corps (and for them to discard in a couple years lol)

Source: https://x.com/LembagaKERIS/status/1952388832487469510

We’ve been interested in a while but apparently we’re closing in on it, and its possibly a significant amount of units to be bought, but nothing concrete as of now.

The vehicle was showcased during Indodefence 2025 so that might be related. vehicle created by Al Jasoor of UAE in collaboration with Turkish Otokar. Considering we have a large amount of BMP3F already, the plan could be to just replace them with this meanwhile avoiding CAATSA, but who knows.

EDIT: New Details

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read more about the vehicle here (english version):

Showcased at Indo Defence 2024, the Rabdan 8x8, an Amphibious Armored Vehicle from the Desert Country with a BMP-3 Turret

Rabdan 8×8 – UAE-made armored vehicle with BMP-3 Comotan turret




Basically its a BMP-3 turret on a 8x8 / 6x6 chassis

Vehicle’s website: https://edgegroupuae.com/solutions/rabdan-8x8-infantry-fighting-vehicle

The Indonesian President inspecting the vehicle

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I’m somewhat skeptical of these Middle Eastern OPEC-designed vehicles. How much experience do they have? Does it meet Indonesian needs at all? That thing looks huge, even for an 8x8

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Also the Arisgator is only used by the Army
09022024tank-amfibi1

Rabdan is basically a further development of Turkish Otokar Arma 6×6. Also the company behind Rabdan, the Al Jasoor, is a joint venture between Turkish and UAE companies, and with current pivot to Turkey as major defense article suppliers, I kinda get why they considered it.

And as it could use BMP-3 turret meant it has some commonality with the current Marines “tank” fleet.

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yeah forgot the marines use the LVTP-7. Havent heard any negative issues about that vehicle though

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Who flagged your comment??

no clue lmao

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someone made an infographic about the current + future procurement programs of the Indonesian Navy (some are already received some will be in a few years)

https://x.com/Arani1610377/status/1955852897696334296

just to give further updates on the carrier, its the only non-official procurement yet, as its currently still just talks. But it’s in the priority list. Idea is to turn it into a drone & heli carrier (so probably no harriers).



On a more interesting news, Indonesia might be receiving the Paveway series of LGBs? could also be a missprint for the LJDAM but who knows

https://x.com/Jatosint/status/1955955046211887591

Last week an in country review was carried out by U.S. Tactical Missile Technical Coordination Group (TMTCG) and Precision Guided Munitions Technical Coordination Group (PGMTCG) at Iswahjudi AFB, East Java



some more fun news from PT. SAS Aero Sishan including new design prototypes:

Forum Militer Indonesia - Facebook

PPT presentation from the director of SAS at the 2025 ITB Indonesian Science, Technology & Industry Conversion (KSTI) event. Showing infographics of the main product portfolio of PT SAS Aero Sishan which is currently in the development & prototype stage.

In a session at the KSTI 2025 event, the SAS director presented his latest defense equipment research & development project through a Triple Helix model collaboration involving various research partners from Industry, Institutes, Universities, the Ministry of Defense Research and Development Agency & TNI Users which are developed periodically, with a time span of 2025-2027.

Some of the projects currently being worked on include:

  • Fully Tracked Tactical Vehicle with several variants such as 70mm Caliber Rocket Launcher, Surveillance, Recovery, Personnel Transport, & Logistics
  • MLRS Vehicle R-HAN 122B - DS-240 Arjuna (TKDN 60%)
  • 81mm Mortar Vehicle (TKDN 77%)
  • Vehicle Launcher Missile R-HAN 450
  • 70mm Caliber Rocket Launcher Vehicle
  • Weaponized Drone (TKDN 55%)
  • Indonesian Army Air Defense Forces Cannon Modernization Project

Interestingly, some of the products have already achieved TKDN certification with figures above 50%.

SLIDES OF IMAGES


EDIT:
For the DS-240 Arjuna (R-HAN 122B) its being built, but havent been showcased yet

Images of it

“PT. SAS Aero Sishan is currently constructing/manufacturing a platform/launcher for the MLRS rhan 122b.”

Source: https://x.com/RizkyAgungW5/status/1952918509899661550/



The R-HAN 122B will remain as MLRS whereas rumors are that the R-HAN 450mm will be converted as a TBM. If it was realized then it would be the second TBM we have, since the Khan TBM had arrived in earlier this August in Kalimantan

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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

https://x.com/AHelvas/status/1956247734274679283

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3rd ASEAN Military Naval Exercise kicked off last Aug. 15, 2025 hosted by Malaysia:

https://x.com/tldm_rasmi/status/1956562956482679285

Spoiler

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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.

REPUBLIKORP

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:

  1. “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.
  2. 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.
  3. The roundel of the Thai national flag signifies Thailand, as displayed on all Royal Thai Air Force aircraft.
  4. 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.”
  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Spoiler




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Cultural exchange between the Royal Thai Marine Recon Battalion and the Indonesian Navy Special Forces. XD

Spoiler

539180701_122156631872761044_6322620932274565528_n

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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

mi-2
mi-1
mi-3
mi-4

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