PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) is launching Indonesia’s first indigenously developed drone program

A renowned aerospace manufacturer and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operator, PTDI is taking its specialty with light and medium turboprop aircraft into the future. The Indonesian company now plans to launch the country’s first specialized UAV program, manufacturing MALE drones that will initially be used for surveillance and be converted for military use within two year.

Through a recently inked consortium, PTDI plans to have the maiden drone program up and flying in 2020. “The UAV will be certified in 2021, at which point we will be able to manufacture it for export,” confirms Elfien Goentoro, President Director of PTDI. “In 2022, we will be able to weaponize the aircraft.”

Moreover, the aerospace company also has plans to upgrade one of its most popular aircrafts for export – the CN235, a medium-range military transport aircraft. “We are currently working on installing strike capabilities on the CN235, including 30mm guns and hard points for missiles,” announces Goentoro.