1. Beginnings as Institut Teknologi Dirgantara (ITD) – 1987–1989

The initiative to establish an aerospace-focused higher education institution began in the 1970s under the Indonesian Air Force (TNI‑AU). In 1987, the Institute of Aeronautical Technology (Institut Teknologi Dirgantara, ITD), was founded by the Yayasan Adi Upaya (YASAU) under TNI‑AU’s guidance. ITD offered three majors: Aviation Logistics Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, and Aviation Electrical Engineering.

2. Transformation into Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Dirgantara (STTD) – 1989–1998

On 19 May 1989, the Ministry of Education officially registered the institution as the Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Dirgantara (STTD). In October 1998, it gained full academic recognition, becoming the first higher education institution in Indonesia specializing in aerospace technology.

3. Rise to University Status – Universitas Suryadarma (1999)

Due to its successful development, the Ministry approved STTD’s elevation to university status under Decree No. 109/D/O/1999 on 24 June 1999, and it was named Universitas Suryadarma. The expansion included establishing general faculties like Civil & Planning Engineering, Economics, Law, and Social & Political Sciences.

4. Naming Update to Reflect Identity – 2016

In 2016, via Ministry of Research, Technology & Higher Education Decree No. 147/KPT/I/2016, the university’s name changed to Universitas Dirgantara Marsekal Suryadarma, adding “Dirgantara” (Aerospace) and “Marsekal” (Marshal) to highlight its unique aerospace identity and honor its namesake.

5. Addition of Faculty of Health Sciences – 2023

On 5 July 2023, the Air Force Nursing Academy (AKPER RSP TNI‑AU) was integrated into the university, establishing the Faculty of Health Sciences (FIKES)