Jakarta, Aug. 5 -- Indonesia's Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said on Wednesday the government would deploy a domestically developed "kamikaze drone" as it expands the use of locally made defense equipment to strengthen the country's military capabilities.

Indonesia has developed the unmanned aerial vehicle, commonly known as a "kamikaze drone," Sjafrie said during a visit to the Indonesian Navy Marine Corps training ground in Dabo Singkep, Riau Islands Province.

The drone will enter operational service after coordination with the military commander and the chiefs of the army, navy and air force, he said after observing the 2026 Integrated Military Exercise.

The drones will be used to counter illegal smuggling activities across I...