Indonesian Army Conducts First Live Firing of Türkiye-Supplied Rocket Launcher
The Indonesian Army has executed its first publicly disclosed live firing of a new Türkiye-supplied artillery system, utilizing guided rockets rather than the ballistic missiles the equipment was purchased to deploy, according to Janes reported footage released on October 22, 2026. The live-fire exercise took place on October 20 in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan, and was carried out by the Indonesian Army’s 22nd Field Artillery Battalion.
Operational Readiness Testing in East Kalimantan
Footage published by the Field Artillery Weapons Centre shows the deployment of the Indonesia Tactical Ballistic Missile (ITBM) launcher during the October 20 event. The exercise started with a pilot shoot before launching three TRG-122 guided rockets. The Field Artillery Weapons Centre stated that the activity aimed to test the operational readiness of the ITBM system and improve personnel proficiency.
Indonesia originally selected the Khan ballistic missile system during the Indo Defence 2022 exhibition in Jakarta. The acquisition utilizes a multi-barrel rocket launcher developed by Roketsan, which Jakarta designated as the ITBM. While the launcher is designed to fire heavier tactical ballistic missiles, this recent event marked its operational debut with smaller guided munitions.
Rocket Capabilities and System Specifications
The deployed launcher is part of a versatile family of artillery systems produced by Turkish defense firm Roketsan. The Khan system itself serves as the export variant of Roketsan’s Bora tactical ballistic missile, featuring a diameter of 610 mm and a stated range spanning 80 to 280 kilometers.
Roketsan specifies that its multi-barrel rocket launcher configuration can accommodate multiple munition calibers, including 122 mm, 230 mm, 300 mm, and 610 mm. Compatible projectiles listed by the manufacturer encompass the TRG-122, TRLG-122, TRG-230, TRLG-230, and TRG-300, alongside the primary Khan missile. Across this diverse ammunition suite, Roketsan rates the system’s overall engagement range from 10 to 280 kilometers.
Artillery Battalion Execution Details
- Date of Firing: October 20, 2026
- Location: Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan
- Executing Unit: Indonesian Army’s 22nd Field Artillery Battalion
- Public Disclosure Date: October 22, 2026, via the Field Artillery Weapons Centre
Questions Regarding Artillery Deployment
Why did the ITBM launcher fire TRG-122 rockets instead of Khan ballistic missiles?
The live firing on October 20 involved TRG-122 guided rockets as part of an operational readiness test conducted by the 22nd Field Artillery Battalion. While the system was originally acquired for the Khan ballistic missile following its selection at the Indo Defence 2022 exhibition, the multi-barrel rocket launcher is engineered to support multiple calibers ranging from 122 mm to 610 mm.
What range does the Roketsan multi-barrel rocket launcher achieve?
Roketsan lists the engagement-range span of the multi-barrel rocket launcher system between 10 and 280 kilometers, depending on the specific munitions employed. The heavier Khan missile variant covers the 80 to 280 kilometer bracket, while smaller rockets like the TRG-122 handle shorter operational distances.
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