Defense & Military
Indonesia and Pakistan Nearing Deal for JF-17 Jets and Drones
Indonesia and Pakistan are finalizing a defense deal for JF-17 Block III jets and armed drones to enhance Indonesia’s air capabilities.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters.
Indonesia and Pakistan are reportedly in the final stages of negotiating a significant defense package that would see the Southeast Asian nation acquire JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to reporting by Reuters on January 12, 2026, the two nations are “closing in” on the agreement following high-level meetings in Islamabad.
The potential deal highlights Pakistan’s growing footprint in the global arms export market and Indonesia’s strategy to diversify its military hardware. The discussions took center stage during a meeting between Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. While a final contract has not yet been signed, sources indicate the talks have reached an advanced stage.
According to the reports, the procurement package focuses on bolstering Indonesia’s air combat and surveillance capabilities. The deal is expected to include the JF-17 Thunder Block III, a multi-role fighter jet jointly developed by Pakistan and China, as well as armed drones.
Industry reports suggest the agreement could involve approximately 40 units of the JF-17 Thunder Block III. This variant is the most advanced iteration of the platform, featuring 4.5-generation capabilities. Additionally, the package reportedly includes the Shahpar series of armed drones, likely the Shahpar-2 or the newer Shahpar-3, which are designed for both surveillance and strike missions.
As noted in the Reuters report, the Indonesian delegation also held talks with Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, signaling the broad scope of the defense cooperation. The deal is estimated by defense analysts to be valued in the multi-billion dollar range, potentially between $3 billion and $4 billion, though official figures remain undisclosed.
The equipment under negotiation offers Indonesia significant capability upgrades at a competitive price point compared to Western alternatives.
JF-17 Thunder Block III: This aircraft is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and is compatible with long-range air-to-air missiles, such as the PL-15. These features provide “Beyond Visual Range” (BVR) capabilities comparable to more expensive Western jets. Shahpar UAVs: The Shahpar-2 and Shahpar-3 drones offer Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) performance. Specifications cited in defense reports indicate these platforms can carry laser-guided missiles and possess endurance ranging from 14 to over 30 hours, depending on the variant and payload.
The “High-Low” Mix Strategy
From an operational standpoint, Indonesia’s interest in the JF-17 aligns with a classic “high-low” fleet mix strategy. Jakarta has recently invested in high-end, expensive platforms like the French Rafale and is in talks for the American F-15EX. While these jets offer superior kinematics and payload, they are costly to procure and operate in large numbers.
The JF-17 Block III offers a pragmatic solution: it delivers near-peer electronic warfare and BVR capabilities at a fraction of the cost. This allows the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) to build the necessary squadron mass to cover its vast archipelago without exhausting its defense budget on a purely Western fleet. Furthermore, acquiring hardware from Pakistan reduces Indonesia’s vulnerability to potential Western sanctions or end-user restrictions, ensuring operational sovereignty.
If finalized, this deal would mark another major milestone for Pakistan’s defense industry, which has been aggressively pursuing export opportunities to bolster the national economy.
According to industry data, Pakistan has recently secured export contracts with nations such as Azerbaijan, Nigeria, and Iraq. The sale of JF-17s to Azerbaijan, valued at over $1.6 billion, previously set a record for the country’s defense exports. A successful deal with Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation and a major G20 economy, would significantly validate the JF-17 program on the global stage.
The diplomatic foundation for this deal appears to have been strengthened by recent high-level exchanges, including a visit by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Pakistan in late 2025.
What is the JF-17 Thunder? Has the deal been signed? Why is Indonesia buying Pakistani jets?
Indonesia and Pakistan Nearing Major Defense Pact for JF-17 Jets and Drones
Details of the Proposed Defense Package
Fighter Jets and Drones
Technical Capabilities and Strategic Fit
AirPro News analysis
Pakistan’s Growing Export Ambitions
Frequently Asked Questions
The JF-17 Thunder is a lightweight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). The Block III variant features advanced avionics and radar systems.
No. According to Reuters, the two sides are “closing in” on the deal, and negotiations are in an advanced stage, but a final contract has not yet been officially inked.
Indonesia pursues a “mixed fleet” policy to avoid over-reliance on any single supplier. The JF-17 offers a cost-effective way to increase fleet size and capabilities while diversifying supply chains away from exclusive dependence on Western or Russian technology.
Sources
Photo Credit: Pakistan Air Force
Defense & Military
First T-7A Red Hawk Trainer Officially Joins US Air Force Service
The US Air Force inducted the first T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer, marking a shift to modern pilot training for next-gen fighters.
The U.S. Air Force has officially welcomed its first operational T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer, marking a pivotal moment in military aviation history. In a ceremony held on January 9, 2026, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in Texas, the aircraft was formally inducted into the 99th Flying Training Squadron, known as the “Red Tails.”
According to an official press release from Boeing, this event signifies the beginning of a long-awaited transition from the 1960s-era T-38 Talon to a modern, digitally designed training system. The T-7A is specifically engineered to prepare pilots for fifth- and sixth-generation fighters, such as the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, and the B-21 Raider.
The induction ceremony was attended by key military leadership, including Lt. Gen. Scott Pleus, Acting Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and Lt. Gen. Clark Quinn, Commander of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC). The arrival of the aircraft represents a critical “proof of life” milestone for a program that aims to revolutionize how American combat pilots are trained.
The T-7A Red Hawk is not merely an aircraft update; it represents a comprehensive overhaul of the pilot training curriculum. While the T-38 Talon has served faithfully for over six decades, its analog systems are increasingly disconnected from the digital realities of modern combat.
Data provided by USAF reports indicates that the T-7A is powered by a single General Electric F404-GE-103 afterburning turbofan engine, generating approximately 17,200 pounds of thrust. The aircraft is capable of supersonic speeds (Mach 1+) and operating at ceilings above 50,000 feet. Crucially, its airframe allows for high angle-of-attack (AoA) maneuvers, mimicking the flight characteristics of modern frontline fighters.
Boeing highlights several design improvements over the legacy T-38:
The T-7A holds the distinction of being the first USAF aircraft to receive the “e-Series” designation. According to Boeing, the system was designed and tested using digital twins and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) before physical manufacturing began.
This digital-first approach yielded significant industrial benefits. Company data suggests that digital engineering reduced assembly hours by 80% and cut software development time by 50%. This methodology allowed the aircraft to progress from concept to first flight in just 36 months, a pace intended to set a new standard for defense acquisition.
The T-7A program is the result of a trans-Atlantic partnership between Boeing and the Swedish aerospace company Saab. Under a contract awarded in September 2018, valued at $9.2 billion, the team is tasked with delivering 351 aircraft, 46 simulators, and associated ground equipment. Manufacturing responsibilities are split to leverage the strengths of both companies:
The “Red Hawk” name and the aircraft’s distinctive livery are a deliberate tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces. The red tail surfaces honor the “Red Tails” of the 332nd Fighter Group, while the name “Hawk” pays homage to the P-40 Warhawk flown by the 99th Fighter Squadron.
During the aircraft’s naming ceremony in 2019, then-Acting Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Donovan emphasized the connection between the aircraft’s capabilities and its historical namesake:
“The name Red Hawk honors the legacy of Tuskegee Airmen and pays homage to their signature red-tailed aircraft from World War II… The distance between the T-38 and an F-35 is night and day. But with the T-7A the distance is much, much smaller.”
The January 2026 induction ceremony included descendants of the Tuskegee Airmen, reinforcing the bridge between the heritage of the “Greatest Generation” and the future of a diverse U.S. Air Force.
The induction of the first operational T-7A is a significant victory for a program that has faced its share of hurdles. While the digital engineering approach promised speed, the program encountered delays related to the escape system and software stability, pushing the full-rate production decision to 2026 and Initial Operational Capability (IOC) toward the 2027–2028 timeframe.
However, the arrival of the physical hardware at JBSA-Randolph suggests that Boeing and the USAF have turned a corner. For the Air Force, the stakes are high: the pilot shortage remains a critical issue, and training students on 60-year-old analog jets for 5th-generation combat is increasingly inefficient. The T-7A’s ability to simulate complex data links and virtual threats in flight is not just an upgrade, it is a necessity for maintaining air superiority in the coming decades.
Sources: Boeing, USAF reports
First T-7A Red Hawk Officially Inducted into U.S. Air Force Service
A Generational Leap in Pilot Training
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
Digital Engineering and the “e-Series”
Industrial Partnership and Manufacturing
Honoring the Tuskegee Airmen
AirPro News Analysis
Photo Credit: Boeing
Defense & Military
Elbit Systems Secures $275M Asia-Pacific Helicopter Self-Protection Contract
Elbit Systems awarded $275 million contract to supply advanced EW and Mini-MUSIC DIRCM self-protection systems for helicopters in Asia-Pacific.
This article is based on an official press release from Elbit Systems.
Elbit Systems Ltd. has announced the securing of contracts valued at approximately $275 million to supply a comprehensive airborne self-protection suite to an undisclosed country in the Asia-Pacific region. According to the company’s official statement released on Monday, the agreement spans a five-year performance period and focuses on equipping the customer’s helicopter fleet with advanced defensive technologies.
The deal underscores the continuing demand for sophisticated Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities in the region. Under the terms of the contract, Elbit Systems will provide a solution that integrates the Mini-MUSIC™ Directional Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) system with a broader EW suite. These systems are designed to detect, identify, and neutralize modern threats, specifically heat-seeking ground-to-air missiles.
The primary focus of the $275 million agreement is the enhancement of rotary-wing survivability. As detailed in the press release, the solution includes a complete EW suite tailored to the operational requirements of the client’s helicopter platform. The suite is engineered to provide automated threat response, reducing pilot workload during combat operations.
Central to this self-protection suite is the Mini-MUSIC™ system. According to Elbit Systems’ product specifications, this technology belongs to the MUSIC family of infrared countermeasures. It is specifically designed for small-to-medium rotary and fixed-wing aircraft.
The system functions by detecting incoming infrared-guided missiles, often referred to as Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems (MANPADS), and directing a precise laser beam into the missile’s seeker. This action “blinds” the guidance mechanism, causing the missile to deviate from its trajectory. Industry data indicates that the Mini-MUSIC system is lightweight and compact, making it suitable for platforms where payload weight is a critical operational constraint.
Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems, emphasized the strategic nature of the agreement and the company’s foothold in the Asia-Pacific market.
“These contracts reflect the growing trust of our Asia-Pacific customers in Elbit Systems’ advanced, combat-proven self-protection solutions for helicopters… We are proud to continue strengthening our partnerships and supporting our customers’ evolving needs in this important region.”
, Bezhalel Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems
While Elbit Systems has not disclosed the specific nation involved in this contract, the deal aligns with a broader trend of military modernization across the Asia-Pacific region. Nations in this theater are increasingly investing in “safety net” technologies to protect high-value airborne assets from asymmetric threats.
This contract follows a series of strategic wins for Elbit in the area. Previous reporting and company announcements have highlighted the supply of EW suites for transport aircraft and maritime patrol solutions to various Asia-Pacific defense forces. The integration of DIRCM systems onto helicopter fleets suggests a specific focus on counter-insurgency or littoral operations where the threat of MANPADS is elevated.
Sources: Elbit Systems (via PRNewswire), Elbit Systems Product Data
Elbit Systems Awarded $275 Million Contract for Helicopter Self-Protection in Asia-Pacific
Contract Scope and Technology
Mini-MUSIC™ DIRCM System
Executive Commentary
AirPro News Analysis: Regional Defense Trends
Sources
Photo Credit: Elbit Systems
Defense & Military
Dassault Aviation Invests $200M in Harmattan AI Defense Startup
Dassault Aviation leads a $200M funding round in Harmattan AI, enabling AI integration in future combat aviation platforms like Rafale F5.
This article is based on an official press release from Dassault Aviation.
In a significant move to bolster European sovereign defense capabilities, Dassault Aviation and Harmattan AI have announced a strategic partnership centered on a $200 million Series B funding round. The investments, led by the French aerospace giant, values Harmattan AI at $1.4 billion, officially granting the Paris-based startup “unicorn” status less than two years after its founding in April 2024.
According to the official announcement, the deal is designed to accelerate the integration of “controlled autonomy” and artificial intelligence into combat aviation systems. Specifically, the partnership aims to embed Harmattan’s software stack into Dassault’s future platforms, including the Rafale F5 standard and the upcoming Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS).
The funding round also included participation from previous investors FirstMark Capital, Atlantic Labs, and Kima Ventures. The capital injection will support Harmattan AI’s rapid industrial scaling and international expansion.
The core of this agreement goes beyond financial investment; it represents a technological convergence between a historic aerospace prime and an agile software-defined defense company. Dassault Aviation stated that the collaboration focuses on developing “sovereign, controlled, and monitored AI” for military applications.
The partnership is explicitly linked to the development of the Rafale F5 standard, expected to enter service around 2030. This standard is designed to operate in tandem with autonomous drones, often referred to as “loyal wingmen.” Harmattan AI’s technology is expected to provide the autonomous “brain” for these accompanying systems, allowing them to execute complex missions under the supervision of manned aircraft.
In a press statement, Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, emphasized the necessity of this evolution:
“This partnership with Harmattan AI reflects our commitment to integrating high-value autonomy into the next generation of combat air systems.”
, Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation
Founded in April 2024, Harmattan AI has rapidly positioned itself as a key player in the European defense sector. The company’s mission is to build “vertically integrated autonomous systems” that are attritable,low-cost enough to be lost in combat without strategic failure,and scalable.
The company is led by CEO Mouad M’Ghari, a former quantitative researcher, alongside a founding team with backgrounds in commercial drones and machine learning from companies such as Parrot, Withings, and senseFly. Their approach combines mass-market hardware manufacturing techniques with advanced AI software.
Harmattan AI currently markets three primary product lines, named after deserts:
According to data released alongside the funding announcement, Harmattan AI has already secured substantial contracts. These include an order for 1,000 drones from the French Ministry of Armed Forces, scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025, and a contract for 3,000 autonomous systems with the UK Ministry of Defence.
“By combining frontier AI with world-class military aviation expertise, we are shaping the future of collaborative air combat.”
, Mouad M’Ghari, CEO of Harmattan AI
This investment signals a critical shift in the European defense landscape. Historically, European primes have relied on lengthy development cycles for proprietary software. By investing in Harmattan AI, Dassault Aviation is effectively outsourcing the rapid iteration of AI algorithms to a specialized startup, mirroring the dynamic seen in the United States between traditional primes and new entrants like Anduril Industries.
The valuation of $1.4 billion highlights the premium the market places on “sovereign AI.” With geopolitical tensions rising, European governments are increasingly prioritizing domestic technology stacks to reduce reliance on non-European suppliers for critical autonomous systems. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly endorsed the partnership, describing it as essential for “strategic autonomy.”
Harmattan AI is positioning itself to compete directly with other high-valuation defense tech companies such as Germany’s Helsing and the U.S.-based Shield AI. The “Defense Unicorn” status validates the “software-first” approach to modern warfare, where the value lies as much in the autonomy algorithms as in the airframe itself.
Sources: Dassault Aviation Press Release
Dassault Aviation Leads $200 Million Investment in Defense Unicorn Harmattan AI
Strategic Integration: The Future of Air Combat
Rafale F5 and the “Loyal Wingman”
Harmattan AI: A Rapid Rise
Leadership and Technology
Market Traction
AirPro News Analysis
The Push for European Sovereignty
Competing with New Defense Primes
Sources
Photo Credit: Dassault Aviation
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