Indonesia and Jordan Forge Strategic Defense Pact to Co-Develop Advanced Drone Technology
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – In a significant move to bolster military capabilities and achieve greater defense self-sufficiency, Indonesia and Jordan have entered a strategic partnership to jointly develop and manufacture advanced drone technology. The landmark agreement, confirmed by Indonesia’s Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, pairs the state-owned defense company PT Pindad with Jordan’s advanced firm Deep Element.
This collaboration marks a pivotal step in bilateral defense relations, focusing on technology transfer and the co-production of next-generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to meet the strategic needs of both nations.
Strategic Drivers and Key Players
The partnership is driven by Indonesia’s clear objective to strengthen its domestic defense industry and reduce reliance on foreign arms imports. Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin highlighted that Deep Element brings proven, sophisticated expertise in designing both surveillance and combat drones to the table.
“This collaboration is a concrete step to advance our domestic defense industry, particularly in mastering drone technology,” Sjafrie stated. He emphasized that the joint initiative will enable PT Pindad to absorb critical technology and design know-how, accelerating Indonesia’s journey toward self-reliance in UAV manufacturing.
Scope and Capabilities of the Drone Program
While specific models remain undisclosed, the collaboration is expected to yield a range of unmanned systems. Deep Element’s portfolio includes expertise in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) drones as well as combat-capable UAVs. This suggests the partnership could produce everything from tactical surveillance platforms for border patrol to armed drones for more complex missions.
For Indonesia, an archipelagic nation with vast maritime territories, these drones are strategically vital for enhancing domain awareness, monitoring its thousands of islands, and securing its borders more effectively.
Beyond Drones: A Comprehensive Defense Partnership
The drone development pact is a cornerstone of a broader and deepening defense relationship between Indonesia and Jordan. This wider cooperation includes:
Joint Military Exercises: Enhancing interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces.
Personnel Exchange and Training: Indonesian soldiers have already participated in training programs in Jordan.
Counter-Terrorism Collaboration: A live drone demonstration focused on counter-terrorism capabilities is reportedly in the works, indicating the operational, real-world focus of this partnership.
Mutual Benefits and Long-Term Vision
The Indonesia-Jordan drone deal offers significant mutual benefits:
For Indonesia: The primary advantage is technology transfer and capacity building. This partnership is a direct investment in Indonesia’s long-term goal of creating a robust, innovative, and independent defense industrial base.
For Jordan: The collaboration provides a platform to scale its advanced drone technology through partnership with a major Southeast Asian player, expanding its global footprint and strengthening its strategic ties in the region.
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The Road Ahead
The successful implementation of this agreement will depend on sustained funding, clear regulatory frameworks, and aligning the strategic requirements of both countries. However, the foundation of trust and shared ambition is strong.
This partnership is more than a simple procurement deal; it is a strategic investment in shared knowledge and capability. By pooling their resources and expertise, Indonesia and Jordan are not just building drones—they are building a closer defense alliance and setting a model for South-South cooperation in advanced technology development.
