DESKJABAR - PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) has carried out a series of flight tests for an unmanned aerial vehicle of the Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) type named Elang Hitam, located at the West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati, Majalengka. This flight test marks an important milestone in PTDI's ongoing efforts to develop the capabilities of unmanned aerial systems based on national technology. During the flight test conducted on Monday, July 28, 2025, Elang Hitam was accompanied by PTDI's Kodiak aircraft as a chaser aircraft, which functions to monitor the performance of the MALE in the air, as well as support flight safety aspects. This flight test is part of a series of tests that will continue until the Elang Hitam receives official certification from the relevant authorities. The development of the Elang Hitam is carried out comprehensively through a consortium scheme, with PTDI as the lead integrator responsible for the aircraft platform development. This consortium involves BPPT and LAPAN – now integrated into BRIN, the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, the Indonesian Air Force, PT Len Industri (Persero), and the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). From conceptual design, preliminary design, detail design, prototyping, to testing and certification processes, the Elang Hitam is developed independently and designed to meet the operational needs of the Indonesian Air Force, while also being adapted to the characteristics of the Indonesian territory. Also Read: PTDI Strengthens Market Expansion and After-Sales Service at the IDEF 2025 Exhibition in Turkey.
Mastery of Key Technology
Based on the direction of the Defense Industry Policy Committee (KKIP), the development of the Black Eagle involves the national ecosystem. The hope is that the Black Eagle will become a milestone in the development of the national PTTA ecosystem. "This flight test is a proof-of-concept for mastery of key technology in the design and development of MALE-class PTTA, which includes system configuration design, automatic flight control systems, and long-range communication systems for MALE-class PTTA," said Moh Arif Faisal, Commercial Director, Technology & Development of PTDI, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. This proof of concept serves as a basic reference for the further development of MALE according to national needs. We also express our appreciation to all the teams that have shown high dedication and precision during the development process. As a MALE category PTTA, the Black Eagle is designed to conduct surveillance and intelligence missions with an operational duration of up to 24 hours at altitudes of up to 20,000 feet. This platform carries an open and modular architecture, allowing for further development according to mission needs, both military and civilian, including monitoring maritime areas, disaster response, and border surveillance. Also Read: PTDI's CN235 Collaborates with the American P-8A Poseidon in CARAT 2025 Combined ISR Operations.
Black Eagle Description
The Black Eagle is an Indonesian-made Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with a weight of over 1 ton, showcasing the complexity and maturity of the design and technology applied by the national defense industry. In a global context, the development of MALE UAVs has now become a strategic priority for countries with modern military capabilities. The United States, Turkey, France, and India are actively developing MALE drones as solutions for high-risk operations, including cross-border missions and maritime security. With the successful development of the Elang Hitam, Indonesia can join the limited group of countries in the world that have strategic-class PTTA design capabilities. The flight test of the Elang Hitam is not just an unmanned aircraft test. It can be a statement that Indonesia is capable and ready to stand alongside developed countries in the development of future defense technology. "We see Elang Hitam as an important foundation for creating a competitive and independent national PTTA ecosystem," added Moh Arif Faisal.