TNI Showcases Drone Capabilities Before President Prabowo and King Abdullah II of Jordan

Jakarta: A sense of pride was palpable at the Djamsuri Air Force Shooting Range, Halim Perdanakusuma, Jakarta, after Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan witnessed a drone demonstration, a collaboration between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Jordanian Armed Forces on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

For the soldiers involved, the opportunity to perform before two heads of state was a rare experience and a historic moment in their careers.

Major General Yudha Airlangga, Commander of the TNI Special Operations Command, explained that the series of activities had been comprehensively packaged, from the welcoming ceremony to the demonstration of combat capabilities.

"We showcased Merpati Putih self-defense skills training, national self-defense, and then followed by tactical drone skills training, a joint effort between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Jordanian Armed Forces," he said, as quoted from Presidenri.go.id, Saturday 15 November 2025.

The drone demonstration was the most anticipated part, showcasing the sophisticated technology being developed by both countries. Lieutenant Colonel Petrus Paramayudo Prabowo, Commander of the Paspampres explained that the capabilities displayed were a tactical simulation illustrating the integration of air and ground forces.

"We demonstrated the use of fiber optic drones to prevent enemy jammers, kamikaze drone technology, drones for breaching or opening doors during ground troop attacks, reconnaissance drones, and drones for dropping explosives and reserve components," he said.

A total of 50 personnel were deployed in this joint exercise. The TNI sent 38 soldiers from across the military, including reserve components, while Jordan brought 12 of its best soldiers. This exercise was no short preparation. Previously, the TNI had sent soldiers to Jordan to intensively study drone technology.

"For Jordan itself, we sent soldiers for approximately two months to train on drones. After returning from here, they continued the training by sending Jordanian soldiers here. We trained for approximately three days before appearing in front of the President and King of Jordan today," he added.

Attended by two heads of state, this exercise not only demonstrated technical readiness but also strengthened the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Jordan. Major General Yudha emphasized that this cooperation is expected to develop in a more strategic direction.

"We hope to establish a strategic relationship, encompassing geopolitics, geoeconomics, and geostrategy between the two countries and across continents," he said.

Meanwhile, from the soldiers' perspective, the opportunity to work directly with Jordanian troops has opened new horizons. "From the soldiers' perspective, this is very good to develop and continue. Soldiers can learn a lot, broaden their horizons, learn about the culture of another country, and we also hope that technologies like drones can be quickly adopted so that our Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) becomes more modern and up-to-date," said Lieutenant Colonel Petrus.

For the soldiers, appearing in front of President Prabowo and King Abdullah II was a great honor. They felt this experience was invaluable and a unique experience.

"We soldiers express our gratitude and pride for being given this opportunity and trust, especially today, to be able to perform in front of two heads of state. Perhaps not all soldiers get this opportunity," said Lieutenant Colonel Petrus.