Indonesian Aerospace Elang Hitam
Indonesian MALE UAV developed by a consortium, first flown in 2025.
The Elang Hitam is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and Medium-altitude long-endurance UAV (MALE) developed by Indonesian Aerospace (IAe / PT DI) in cooperation with a consortium of six other institutions. It was first shown on 30 December 2019 at the IAe hangar in Bandung, West Java. The drone was designed for the needs of the Indonesian Air Force and was originally intended as a UCAV, though its development faced several shifts in purpose.
Quick Facts
- National Origin
- Indonesia
- Manufacturer
- Indonesian Aerospace
- First Flight
- 2025-07-28
- Primary User
- Indonesian National Armed Forces
- Number Built
- 1 prototype
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The development of a MALE UCAV was initiated by the Ministry of Defense's Research and Development department in 2015. Preliminary design and basic design began with the construction of a wind tunnel model and its test in 2016, followed by another wind tunnel model in 2018. A consortium was formed in 2017, and LAPAN joined in 2019. During development, the UAV was formerly known as PUNA MALE. The first prototype was rolled out on 30 December 2019, with plans for two more prototypes in 2020 and a total of five prototypes. The first flight was expected at the end of 2020 but was postponed to August 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. An attempted first flight in December 2021 failed. In September 2021, BPPT and LAPAN were dissolved and merged into the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). On 1 June 2022, PT LEN Industri's contract to develop the mission system was renewed. On 17 July 2022, Indonesia announced a collaboration with Turkey to manufacture air-to-surface missiles for UAVs. On 15 September 2022, BRIN's chairman stated that development as a military platform was discontinued due to the failed test flight and difficulties acquiring key technologies, with the Elang Hitam to be repurposed for civilian use. However, in October 2024, the Defense Industrial Policy Committee (KKIP) decided to return the development as a UCAV for military purposes. The Elang Hitam successfully carried out its maiden flight on 28 July 2025 at Kertajati Airport, West Java.
Reader's Guide
The Elang Hitam's significance lies in its role as Indonesia's first indigenously developed MALE UAV, intended to meet the Indonesian Air Force's needs. Its development involved a broad consortium of government agencies, research institutions, and industry, reflecting a national effort to build domestic unmanned aerial capabilities. The program faced notable setbacks, including a failed first flight attempt in December 2021 and subsequent cancellation of the military variant in September 2022, with plans to repurpose it for civilian use. However, the decision in October 2024 to revert to a UCAV role and the successful maiden flight in July 2025 marked a turning point. The drone's specifications, including a 30-hour endurance and 23,000 ft cruising altitude, were said to match the Chinese-made CH-4 Rainbow drone. The collaboration with Turkey for air-to-surface missiles further underscored its intended combat role. The Elang Hitam's journey from initial design in 2015 to first flight in 2025 illustrates the challenges of developing advanced military drone technology, including reliance on foreign partners and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Its eventual success positions it as a key asset for Indonesia's defense capabilities.
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