Indonesia Masters Flight Control Computer Drone Technology

RRI.CO.ID, Bandung — Indonesia now possesses the technological capital to build a self-sufficient unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone industry, as evidenced by its successful development of Flight Control Computer (FCC) technology based on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which has been patented and produced locally. However, a number of challenges such as limited aeronautical human resources, budget consistency, access to dual-use components, and the absence of Strategic Trade Management (STM) regulations still hamper the formation of an independent national drone industry ecosystem.

In a statement received on Thursday, September 10, 2026, in Jakarta, Head of the Aviation Technology Research Center at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Fadilah Hasim, said Indonesia's mastery of drone technology was built through a long research journey dating back to the early 2000s. This research produced several national UAV platforms, ranging from the Wulung and Alap-Alap to the LAPAN Surveillance UAV (LSU) series—specifically the LSU-01, LSU-02, LSU-03, and LSU-05.

It was this series of research efforts that ultimately led to the mastery of FPGA-based FCC technology, a critical component of drone flight control systems.

Fadilah emphasized that this achievement demonstrates that national drone development goes beyond merely building aircraft platforms; it also encompasses the control technology that serves as the heart of the drone system. He also drew parallels between Indonesia's journey and the experience of the Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Anka and Aksungur programs developed by Turkish Aerospace, noting that program continuity was a decisive factor in the successful establishment of their industrial ecosystem.

On the other hand, Fadilah highlighted the shortage of human resources in the aeronautics sector as a major challenge. He explained that aviation technology development requires specific competencies; therefore, the availability and continuity of skilled experts are crucial for sustaining future research and industrial programs.

Beyond human resource issues, program consistency and budgetary commitment also pose obstacles, given that drone technology development is a long-term process requiring synergy between research, technological development, and industry needs. Other challenges stem from difficulties in accessing sensitive "dual-use" components and the absence of regulations regarding Unmanned Systems Technology (STM), which complicates efforts to secure foreign partners for long-term technology development.

In the same forum, Bappenas presented a roadmap for developing the PUNA industrial ecosystem, outlined in the 2025–2045 National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN), with the vision of building a resilient and competitive national aerospace industry towards Golden Indonesia 2045. The roadmap also includes plans to develop Kertajati Airport as an Aerospace Park and sandbox for the Low Altitude Economy, in line with the projected economic potential of the drone industry, which will continue to grow until 2045.

From an industrial perspective, strengthening national capabilities is beginning to be seen through the development of several technologies and products, such as the micro-controller-based AUTACS autonomous flight and ground control system and the Aerobait, Aerostrike, and AeroSight product portfolios developed by PT LEN. The company also possesses production and development facilities that open up opportunities for further collaboration.

The Indonesia Drone Summit 2026 is designed as a forum to consolidate stakeholders, aiming to bolster technological self-reliance, increase the Domestic Component Level (TKDN), establish a national supply chain, and expand market access for Indonesia's drone industry by showcasing achievements from ten member companies of the Unmanned Systems and Technology Association (ASTTA).