Indonesia has developed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The drone was developed jointly by the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) and the research and development division at the Defense Ministry.

“The plane is designed to carry out surveillance. Given its noise levels, however, its targets would easily become aware of its position,” Research and Technology Minister Gusti M. Hatta said during the drone’s flight demonstration, which was also attended by Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro. Purnomo said that a squadron of drones would join the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), making Indonesia one of a few countries that develop UAVs. The aircraft, according to the minister, would be placed in the country’s border regions.

Indonesia shares land borders with Papua New Guinea to the east, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam on Borneo, and Timor Leste on Timor Island. Most illegal migrants enter the country along these borders.

“These UAVs can be upgraded to fire missiles and to carry bombs,” Purnomo said. Currently, the BPPT and the Defense Ministry’s research and development division have created around 12 UAV prototypes, which bear names including Sriti, Alap-Alap, Gagak, Pelatuk and Wulung.