Smart Bombs, Mini Tanks, and Drones Mark Indonesia’s Defense Breakthrough

Indonesia made a bold statement in Indo Defence 2025, unveiling a series of defense innovations that underscore its growing self-sufficiency in military technology. Among the standout highlights were smart bomb systems, next-generation tactical vehicles, and a newly revealed drone and light fighter aircraft prototype developed by local defense firms, most notably PT Sari Bahari, PT DAHANA, PT SSE, and Infoglobal.

Taking center stage was PT Sari Bahari’s B250ST smart bomb, a flying-wing precision munition capable of striking targets up to 70 kilometers away with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of just 3 meters. Designed for compatibility with Indonesia’s T-50i fighter jets, the B250ST features an advanced GNSS/INS guidance kit and offers cost-effective precision strike capability on par with imported Western systems.

Partnering with PT DAHANA, Sari Bahari enhanced the bomb’s capabilities with high-local-content (over 70%) propellants and fuzes. DAHANA also introduced the BNT-250 high-explosive bomb and a new family of modular guided munitions, reaffirming Indonesia’s ability to produce combat-ready precision weapons with NATO compatibility.

One of the most novel unveilings came from PT SSE, which introduced its remote-controlled mini tank. Built on a lightweight tracked chassis, this unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) comes equipped with reconnaissance optics and automatic weapon mounts, specifically designed for urban combat and jungle operations.

SSE also displayed modular unmanned ground systems for medical evacuation, logistics transport, and demining missions. These UGVs can be networked with other defense systems, pointing to a future of Indonesian warfare that is autonomous, connected, and digitally coordinated.

Meanwhile, PT LEN contributed crucial combat electronics, including a portable battlefield management system and modular communications kits. This allows smart bombs, mini tanks, and UAVs to function as an integrated defense network under unified digital command and control.

Stealing the spotlight was Infoglobal, which showcased the I-22 Sikatan prototype, a lightweight 4.5-gen fighter jet with dual engines, fly-by-wire controls, and an advanced helmet-mounted display. In tandem, Infoglobal also unveiled the WANI-23 MALE UAV, an 8.2-meter drone with a 16-meter wingspan, a 710 kg maximum takeoff weight, and a fully indigenous propulsion system developed within two years.

Infoglobal relaunched Gamaloka, its portable anti-drone system, targeting low-flying UAV threats with jamming and disruption capabilities. This complements the growing need for layered aerial defense in modern combat, especially amid the rise of loitering munitions in global conflict zones.

In fact, Indonesia’s advancements mirror broader trends seen in countries like India, where mass production of AI-enabled loitering drones is gaining traction. The B250ST, WANI-23, and autonomous mini tanks are part of Indonesia’s own response to this evolving threat environment—offering cost-effective alternatives with strategic versatility.

Several foreign delegations at Indo Defence 2025 praised Indonesia’s capability to produce precision munitions and autonomous systems independently. Early discussions on B250ST exports to African and Central Asian countries reflect growing confidence in the local defense industry’s reliability and innovation.

These breakthroughs are the result of joint efforts among state-owned enterprises under DEFEND ID, top universities, and private innovators like Infoglobal. Together, they’re developing advanced avionics, AI algorithms, and electronic warfare systems tailored to Indonesia’s specific defense needs.

From the skies to the battlefield, Indonesia’s defense ecosystem now includes smart bombs, mini ground combat vehicles, fighter prototypes, surveillance drones, and counter-drone tech—all with increasing indigenous content and export potential.

With these milestones, Indonesia no longer stands merely as a consumer of global defense products but emerges as a rising manufacturer of advanced military solutions. It signals a long-term vision for regional leadership in autonomous and smart defense technologies.

As conflicts grow more digital and asymmetric, Indonesia’s investment in next-generation systems shows it is not only keeping up but innovating in its own right. Indo Defence 2025 made clear that the archipelago is ready to supply not just itself, but also the world.

These achievements reaffirm the importance of sustained collaboration, tech transfer, and local talent in building a credible, competitive defense industry. From B250ST smart bombs to Sikatan fighters and WANI-23 drones, Indonesia is charting a bold new path toward defense independence.

This isn’t just a national milestone—it’s a strategic shift that positions Indonesia among the few emerging powers shaping the future of defense innovation on its own terms.

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