Jakarta, indomaritim.com – Indonesia’s Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said on Wednesday the government would deploy a domestically developed “kamikaze drone” as it expands the use of locally made defense equipment to strengthen the country’s military capabilities.
Indonesia has developed the unmanned aerial vehicle, commonly known as a “kamikaze drone,” Sjafrie said during a visit to the Indonesian Navy Marine Corps training ground in Dabo Singkep, Riau Islands Province.
The drone will enter operational service after coordination with the military commander and the chiefs of the army, navy and air force, he said after observing the 2026 Integrated Military Exercise as cited from Antara News Agency.
The drones will be used to counter illegal smuggling activities across Indonesia’s borders, Sjafrie said, adding that the armed forces stand ready to safeguard national sovereignty and should conduct military exercises more frequently. The exercise featured coordinated troop deployments and integrated weapons systems to test operational capabilities across the army, navy, and air force.
The visit was attended by House of Representatives Commission I Chairman Utut Adianto, Deputy Chairman Dave Laksono, Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Muhammad Ali, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak, Air Force Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Tonny Harjono, and other senior military officials.
“I have seen firsthand, and received reports from the service chiefs, the military commander, and field commanders on the armed forces’ readiness,” Sjafrie said.
“What I observed has convinced me, as defense minister, to report to the president that the Indonesian military is capable of maintaining, protecting, and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty,” he said.
Sjafrie said the exercise highlighted significant improvements compared with several years ago, when the military faced shortages of various ammunition, rockets, missiles, and bombs.
“Today I have seen the combat capability of the army, navy, and air force. Their weapons systems, personnel readiness, and ammunition requirements, from the smallest to the largest caliber, have largely been fulfilled,” he said.
He said the military had achieved the exercise’s operational objectives, demonstrating its ability to carry out assigned missions under realistic combat conditions.
According to Sjafrie, the progress reflects the government’s 2026 defense revitalization program aimed at strengthening the military’s capabilities.
He said integrated and service-level exercises should no longer be held only once a year, but more frequently to maintain combat readiness.
Holding exercises two or three times a year would build troops’ confidence and improve coordination among personnel, equipment, and logistical support, he said.
Sjafrie also urged lawmakers to support adequate defense funding so the military can train regularly and maintain its operational readiness. (RR)
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