US APAC EUROPE CANADA LATAM
Aerospace and Defense Review

Bali International Airshow To Return In 2025, As Indonesia Eyes A Larger Slice Of The Aerospace Pie

DENPASAR– After 28 years, Indonesia has successfully organised an international airshow held from 18 to 21 September in Bali, bringing together participation from 100 companies, and attended by almost more than 5300 trade attendees from 51 countries and regions. The Bali International Airshow 2024 marked a significant milestone in the aerospace and defense sectors for Indonesia, and underscores the importance and the advancement of Indonesia’s aerospace and defense industries, which serves as a testament to the country's expanding capabilities within the global aviation landscape.

The four-day extravaganza event was graced by various Ministers, led by Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment of the Republic of Indonesia, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. Other Ministers in attendance over the four days included Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, Minister for Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia Budi Karya Sumadi and Minister for National Development Planning of the Republic of Indonesia Suharso Monoarfa, signalling support from the highest echelons of the Indonesian government.

Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.

The airshow also marked a pivotal moment for Indonesia’s global diplomacy efforts, positioning the country as a key player in shaping the future of aerospace and defense collaborations, and in its ability to act as a bridge between global powers in Southeast Asia.

Reflecting on the success of the Bali International Airshow 2024, Mr. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment for the Republic of Indonesia said, “The Bali International Airshow 2024 has delivered its aim to be Southeast Asia’s most eminent international exposition for aerospace, aero technology, and defense. It has brought Indonesia into the forefront of growth in the aviation and aerospace industries, leveraging innovation and stakeholder expertise through forums, dialogues and interactions with global exhibitors.”

Among the global brands which were a part of the airshow were Airbus, Bell Helicopters, Boeing, BrahMos, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Garuda Group, Leonardo (represented by Helitech Asia - Asia-Pac distributor), Lion Air, MBDA, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Textron Aviation, and Thales, with about 75% of the leading companies indicating that they will return to Bali for the next edition in 2025 from 24 to 27 September.

Significant Partnerships And Mous Signed At Bali Airshow

Multiple major partnerships were inked during the event including the signing of a “Cooperation Agreement” between Garuda Maintenance Facility (GMF) and Citilink Airline, a “Memorandum of Understanding” (MOU) signing between AirAsia and Airbus, a MOU signing between Boeing and Angkasa Pura Indonesia and a Letter of Intent (LOI) signing between PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) and PT Aviasi Perkasa.

Significantly, the Bali Airshow also was the platform to launch the first Bell 407 helicopter in Indonesia powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This partnership was made between Pertamina, in collaboration with Sayap Garuda Indah (SGI) and Bell Textron. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support decarbonization in the aviation sector.

These partnerships and linking of businesses will not only boost Indonesia’s economy, but will also accelerate the country’s growth over the next few decades. The agreements and deals will lead to increased investment, knowledge transfer, and economic growth for Indonesia, and will ultimately contribute to Indonesia's ambition to become a major hub for aviation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Another highlight of the Bali Airshow were the exclusive forums and dialogue sessions which were held. These involved the likes of Mr Tony Blair (Executive Chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom), Mr Jodi Mahardi (Deputy Minister for Maritime Sovereignty and Energy at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment of the Republic of Indonesia), Mr Tony Fernandes (Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Group) and Mr William Dickey (Director, Business Development for Bell Helicopter Textron Asia Pacific).

There were conversations around Indonesia’s potential as one of the sleeping giants of the aviation industry in the world with its air traffic expected to grow by 6% annually, alongside its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the next 10 years. With this, Indonesia is envisioned to undergo remarkable economic growth, establishing a solid foundation for the nation and the region’s aviation market expansion.

With the government's commitment to developing comprehensive policies for the regulation of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through a new roadmap and action plan, it is pointed out that these regulations will address the increasing demands of the aviation industry. This initiative is also expected to attract additional investment, positioning Indonesia to become the fourth largest aviation market in the world, as relayed by Professor Wihana Kirana Jaya, Special Staff for Economic Affairs and Transportation Investment from Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation.

The Bali International Airshow 2024 also drew attention to Bali’s dual role as both an aviation hub and a world-class tourist destination. The event stimulated tourism through hotel reservations, a demand for public services and food and beverage options, which directly contributed to Bali’s economy while enhancing Indonesia's global profile.

Air And Static Displays A Firm Favourite

More than 5,000 attendees who visited the Bali International Airshow on Public Day on 21 September were enthralled by the hardware which was on display on the tarmac at the South Apron area of the Bali International Airport.

Most popular were the 16 static displays from commercial aircraft to military aircraft including the F16 Fighting Falcon, C130J Super Hercules, C-212 Aviocar, EC725, EMB-314 Super Tucano, the F-35A Lightning II and the A400M Atlas. The Jupiter Aerobatic Team and Neptunus Aerobatic Team from Indonesia, along with a solo performance by the F-35A Lightning II from Australia, delivered a stunning series of displays that showcased the teams' skill and commitment. The Jupiter Aerobatic Team (Indonesian Air Force) flew six KT-1B Wong Bee aircraft, while the Neptunus Aerobatic Team (Indonesian Naval Aviation Center) flew six Bonanza G36 light aircraft to perform complex manoeuvres across the Bali skies. Meanwhile, the Royal Australian Air Force flew solo in the F-35A Lightning II

The Return Of The Airshow In 2025

The airshow will return to Indonesia in 2025, and will take place in every odd year thereafter. This was sealed through a LOI which was signed during the opening ceremony on 18 September 2024, involving the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, the Ministry of Defense, PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (InJourney), which manages Indonesia's aviation and tourism sectors, along with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI AU) and event organisers PT Inaro Tujuh Belas.

The LOI outlined a proposal from the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment to establish a cooperation agreement among the stakeholders, aimed at strengthening global collaboration within the industry. This initiative supported Indonesia’s advancement in technology, innovation, and tourism.

“This show marked a significant first step in reviving international airshows in Indonesia. By adopting the term ‘Indonesia International Airshow,’ we could facilitate future events across various provinces in the archipelago. This is Indonesia’s commitment not only to the aviation industry but also to promoting tourism throughout Indonesia, and in helping to develop Indonesia’s economy to lift the livelihoods of fellow Indonesians. We will get bigger and aim to get a lot better in how we run the Airshow.” added Mr. Pandjaitan.

The organisers of the Bali International Airshow also paid tribute to the residents of Bali for their support over the week of the event, and thanked them for their warm hospitality in welcoming guests from all over the world.

“Bali always has a special place in the hearts of people from all over the world. The warmth was once again on display as many residents were involved through the work which they did - from ferrying our guests to and from the venue, to the many workers in food and beverage outlets who ensured that our guests were well taken care of. The Bali International Airshow has brought about a significant amount of positive impact for the people of Bali and Indonesia, and we look forward to the next edition of the airshow,” said Mr Andy Wismarsyah, CEO of PT Inaro Tujuh Belas, the organisers of the Bali International Airshow 2024.

More in News

Drone exploitation has moved from a specialist intelligence function toward the point of contact. Small unmanned systems now appear across military missions, yet useful data can remain trapped in devices without technical specialists or rear-echelon analysts. That delay can erase the value of information about launch locations, flight trajectory, imagery and pilot signatures. Procurement decisions must assess whether a platform can extract and organize relevant intelligence before the tactical window closes. Speed alone is a poor buying test. A system may process technical data and still burden the operator with raw files or unfamiliar forensic steps. Teams working under heat, fatigue, threat and time pressure need a limited set of answers presented clearly enough to guide immediate judgment. Interfaces should surface origin points, flight paths, stored media and prior activity without concealing the evidence used to reach those findings. Disconnected use deserves equal weight. Tactical units cannot assume stable internet access or reliable cloud reach-back. AI models that depend on remote processing may perform well in demonstrations but become unreliable without supported networks. Local analysis on a handheld device protects mission tempo and reduces dependence on external infrastructure. Human control also needs to remain visible. AI should shorten familiar analytical work and distinguish generated insights from source data while leaving targeting decisions with trained personnel. “DroneTrace integrates with the Tactical Awareness Kit and Anduril’s Lattice platform, allowing exploitation data to enter existing command, targeting and intelligence workflows.” Integration often decides whether exploitation data becomes actionable or merely archived. Intelligence from a recovered drone gains value when it can be pushed into systems used for mapping, command-and-control activity, targeting support and adjacent-unit coordination. Manual transfer creates delay and increases the chances of findings remaining isolated from the people who need them. Buyers should examine whether a platform shares data through established defense networks and preserves context during transfer while supporting immediate distribution and deeper analysis. Procurement teams must test how a platform handles damaged devices, unfamiliar drone models and incomplete records. Recovery conditions are rarely controlled, and adversaries can modify hardware or software without notice. Broad device coverage matters only when extraction remains repeatable, evidence handling stays clear, and updates can reach fielded systems without disrupting mission procedures. Mission differences complicate platform selection. Special operations units may prioritize rapid extraction that feeds an active targeting cycle, while federal law enforcement teams require forensic collection that can withstand evidentiary review. A platform must support both forms without forcing one group into another’s workflow. It should also adapt as unmanned threats extend beyond aerial drones into ground systems, maritime platforms, humanoid robots and other autonomous devices. Purchasing decisions made around a single device type can create another replacement cycle as the threat mix changes. DroneTrace addresses these pressures through an AI-driven tactical exploitation platform built for recovered unmanned systems. Its handheld device processes drone data locally, presents mission-relevant findings through a map-based interface and preserves the underlying forensic record for independent review. AI supports analysis without automating sensitive decisions. It integrates with the Tactical Awareness Kit and Anduril’s Lattice platform, allowing exploitation data to enter existing command, targeting and intelligence workflows. The design supports rapid military use alongside forensically sound law enforcement collection, giving defense buyers a practical option when disconnected access must coexist with speed, evidentiary integrity and human judgment. ...Read more
A model jet purchase can stall when the engine, fuel path, airframe and accessories arrive from separate sources and leave the buyer to solve fit and support issues on personal time. The hobby may look discretionary, yet serious RC turbine flying depends on parts that must work together under tight tolerances. For model-aviation enthusiasts, procurement is less about finding another catalog than reducing the number of gaps between selection and flight. Product range matters because fragmentation creates hidden costs. A turbine engine is only one part of the purchase. Fuel delivery, air trap tanks, tank hardware, batteries, electronics and airframes shape whether the installation becomes manageable or turns into repeated troubleshooting. Buyers should favor suppliers that understand the aircraft as a working assembly rather than a shelf of unrelated parts. Breadth alone is not enough. The practical test is whether the product mix shortens decision time while reducing compatibility uncertainty. Time pressure has also changed the model aircraft market. Fewer buyers can spend months building from raw components, and many still want the discipline of a serious turbine aircraft rather than a toy-grade shortcut. Partially assembled PNP and ARF-style aircraft address that shift only when the remaining work is well documented and backed by knowledgeable advice. Preassembly is not merely convenience. It is a way to protect buyer time without removing the work required to complete the aircraft. Quality control carries a different meaning in turbine hobby equipment than it does in ordinary leisure products. Small defects can become expensive fast, especially in fuel systems and fittings. Consistent manufacturing practices and feedback-driven refinement give buyers more confidence before a model reaches the runway. The same logic applies to repair support. Slow answers can ground aircraft for weeks, while a supplier that can diagnose issues quickly keeps equipment in use and reduces frustration after the sale. The UAV crossover adds another pressure point. Fuel system components, once judged mainly by hobby standards, are now being reviewed by buyers with more formal expectations around repeatability and service response. Stock availability matters, especially when a grounded aircraft waits on a modest fitting. Such demand does not make hobby equipment industrial by default, but it raises the bar for documentation, supply continuity, repair pathways and workmanship. A supplier serving both experienced hobbyists and UAV builders needs the product depth to handle technical questions without turning every purchase into a custom research project. KingTech Turbine Luxembourg fits that buying logic as a single-source option for RC turbine engines and aviation hobby equipment. It offers KingTech turbines from Taiwan, turboprops, PNP model aircraft, UAT fuel systems, soft tanks, clunks, tank fittings and related accessories. The company also manufactures and assembles many fuel-system products in Luxembourg, supports European and UK customers and places quick repair service alongside product advice. For buyers who want one source for turbine propulsion and practical post-sale help around fuel-path hardware, it offers a streamlined route from product selection to flight readiness. ...Read more
Aerospace composite manufacturing solutions in Canada are advancing rapidly as the aviation and defense industries prioritize lightweight engineering, fuel efficiency, sustainability, and high-performance materials. Composite materials are increasingly replacing traditional metals in aircraft structures because they offer superior strength-to-weight advantages, corrosion resistance, and greater design flexibility. As aerospace technologies continue to evolve, Canadian manufacturers are investing in smarter and more efficient composite production systems to meet modern industry demands. Canada’s aerospace sector is strengthening its capabilities through advanced manufacturing innovation, automation, and material engineering. Composite manufacturing solutions are supporting the development of next-generation commercial aircraft, defense systems, drones, and advanced mobility platforms while improving operational performance and production efficiency. Connected production systems, predictive maintenance technologies, and integrated digital workflows are improving operational visibility and manufacturing efficiency across aerospace facilities. What Are the Key Trends in Advanced Materials and Intelligent Manufacturing? Manufacturers are integrating robotic systems, automated cutting technologies, digital inspection tools, and precision manufacturing equipment to improve consistency and reduce production time. These technologies help increase manufacturing accuracy while supporting faster and more scalable production processes. Carbon fiber composites, hybrid materials, and lightweight structural solutions are being widely adopted to improve aircraft performance and reduce overall weight. The materials contribute to improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and enhanced durability for aerospace applications. Digital monitoring platforms, AI-driven analytics, and smart quality control systems help manufacturers optimize workflows, reduce material waste, and maintain higher production standards throughout the manufacturing process. Rapid prototyping and digital design integration are further improving aerospace manufacturing capabilities. Advanced simulation technologies and computer-aided manufacturing systems allow companies to accelerate product development and respond more quickly to changing aerospace requirements. How Can Sustainability and Additive Manufacturing Drive Future Innovation in Aerospace? Manufacturers are seeking environmentally responsible production methods that reduce energy consumption, improve material efficiency, and minimize industrial waste. Sustainable manufacturing practices are increasingly influencing both material selection and production processes. Aerospace companies are integrating composite manufacturing with advanced 3D printing technologies to create complex and lightweight components with greater precision. It improves design flexibility while reducing assembly complexity and material usage. The processes help reduce production costs and energy requirements while maintaining the structural performance of aerospace composite components. Research and development collaboration continues to drive innovation across the industry. Aerospace manufacturers, research institutions, and engineering organizations are working together to develop next-generation composite technologies capable of meeting future aviation and defense requirements. ...Read more
Modern military operations across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region often involve cooperation among multiple nations during maritime patrols, disaster relief, border surveillance and humanitarian assistance missions. These operations require rapid coordination among air, naval and ground units that may use different communication platforms and command structures. Interoperable communication systems help ensure that information moves clearly between forces without delays or confusion. When military teams from different countries can exchange voice data and operational updates through connected systems, they improve coordination and reduce the risk of mistakes in high-pressure situations. The region includes vast oceans, remote islands and areas affected by natural disasters, which make reliable communication even more important. During joint missions, military personnel may need to coordinate rescue operations, share intelligence or respond to emergencies in difficult environments. Interoperable systems allow commanders to maintain visibility across different units while helping troops respond quickly to changing conditions. This level of connectivity supports faster decision-making and helps allied forces maintain operational awareness even when missions become complex. Why Does Interoperability Matter in Multinational Missions? Joint military exercises across the region have shown that forces often operate with different technologies, encryption standards and network capabilities. Without compatible communication systems, information can become delayed, fragmented or misunderstood. Interoperability creates a shared operational language that enables forces to communicate through secure and standardized platforms. This improves trust between partner nations and strengthens cooperation during both training exercises and real-world missions. Military alliances and regional security partnerships continue to place a strong emphasis on integrated communication because modern threats move quickly across borders. Cyber threats, maritime disputes and disaster response efforts all require connected operations among multiple agencies and defense organizations. Interoperable systems support this cooperation by enabling secure data sharing among command centers, surveillance assets and frontline personnel. They also help reduce duplication of effort while improving coordination between military and civilian emergency response teams. How Are Modern Technologies Improving Military Communication? Advanced satellite-based communication networks and artificial intelligence-driven systems are helping military organizations improve interoperability over long distances. Secure digital platforms now allow forces to exchange real-time intelligence maps and operational data through unified systems. These technologies help commanders monitor mission progress while improving coordination between naval fleets, aircraft and ground units. The growing use of autonomous systems and unmanned platforms has also increased the need for a compatible communication infrastructure. Drones, surveillance aircraft and remote sensors must transmit accurate information across different military networks without interruption. As defense cooperation expands throughout the APAC region, interoperable communication systems will remain essential to mission success. They strengthen regional security partnerships, improve operational efficiency and support safer coordination during critical military and humanitarian operations. ...Read more