IFX Indonesian Fighter Experiment (KF21/IFX program)

Indonesia's defense strategy seems to be something wrong. The Indonesian Air Force even signed the contract for the KF-21, Rafale, and TAI KAAN ® in addition to the current Su-30, Su-27, F-16, and Bae Hawk a Mk.200. Russia, the U.S., the U.K., Korea, France, and Turkiye, there is no way that the supply or maintenance of parts will work properly.

Su27/30, Hawks and F16 are old planes, it will need the replacement. I have many times explain it but you never want to think right ?

Kaan is with condition, ITAR free (no components made by US or other that could restrict).

So the future fighters are likely only two, KF21 and Rafale

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South Korea Unveils Second KF-21, Multi-Purpose Drone Demonstrator​

By The Chosunilbo
Published 2026.05.15.

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On the 13th, the second mass-produced unit of the KF-21, a domestically developed supersonic fighter jet, and a multi-purpose unmanned aircraft demonstrator were unveiled at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in Sacheon City, Gyeongsangnam-do.

The KF-21 is South Korea’s first independently developed supersonic fighter jet, and KAI plans to deliver the first mass-produced unit to the Air Force in September following test flights.


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Su27/30, Hawks and F16 are old planes, it will need the replacement. I have many times explain it but you never want to think right ?

Kaan is with condition, ITAR free (no components made by US or other that could restrict).

So the future fighters are likely only two, KF21 and Rafale

View attachment 197316


I think you are way too optimistic on your modernism plans.

As of 2026: Under the original contract, Indonesia was to purchase 48 Block 1 aircraft, but it is now insisting on purchasing only 16 and demanding that the rest be provided as Block 2 aircraft.
Korea and Indonesia have never signed a contract for Block 2.

On Turkey apart from uncertainty of engine development ( currently Turkey using unauthorised f16 engines), critical ( vast amount) technologies from European countries.
Turkish authorities do not have right to transfer.
That’s the issues.
 
I think you are way too optimistic on your modernism plans.

As of 2026: Under the original contract, Indonesia was to purchase 48 Block 1 aircraft, but it is now insisting on purchasing only 16 and demanding that the rest be provided as Block 2 aircraft.
Korea and Indonesia have never signed a contract for Block 2.

On Turkey apart from uncertainty of engine development ( currently Turkey using unauthorised f16 engines), critical ( vast amount) technologies from European countries.
Turkish authorities do not have right to transfer.
That’s the issues.

Dude, we have IFX production line in Indonesia and KF21 5th prototype is intended for IFX development ( in Indonesia by Indonesian Aerospace)

KF21 program is very critical for Indonesian Aerospace, so it is very likely Indonesia to order a lot for long term.

Look like you never read what I have been posted here....
 
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Indonesia Set to Receive KF-21 Boramae Prototype Following Completion of Joint Development Program​


10 Juni 2026


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SEOUL — Indonesia is preparing to receive a prototype of the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet from South Korea after fulfilling its financial obligations under the bilateral fighter aircraft development program.

According to Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea Cecep Herawan, the joint KF-21 development project, which has been underway for more than a decade, is scheduled to be formally completed in June 2026.

As part of the agreement between the two countries, Indonesia will receive one prototype aircraft from the six KF-21 prototypes that have been produced during the development phase.

“It has been agreed that one of the six KF-21 prototype aircraft will be handed over to Indonesia. Hopefully, this can be realized in the near future,” Cecep said during the Indonesian Next-Generation Journalist Network program in Seoul on June 10, 2026.
The prototype to be transferred is reportedly a single-seat KF-21 aircraft that has been used for various flight verification activities, including aerial refueling trials.

Transition from Development to Future Cooperation​

Cecep stated that the joint development phase has now concluded and future discussions will focus on how Indonesia will utilize the program's outcomes and explore potential follow-on cooperation.

“As for future steps, we leave those decisions to Indonesia’s policymakers,” he said.
The ambassador described Indonesia as one of South Korea's most important defense industry partners, noting that defense cooperation between the two countries spans several decades.

Indonesia has been a customer of South Korean defense products since 1979 and has participated in numerous bilateral defense programs.

Notable acquisitions include:

  • KT-1 Woongbi trainer aircraft acquired in 2003 and currently used by the Indonesian Air Force's Jupiter Aerobatic Team.
  • Additional trainer and light combat aircraft acquisitions in 2011.
  • Cooperation in submarine construction beginning in 2017.

Technology Transfer Remains a Key Objective​

Cecep emphasized that technology transfer and human capital development remain among the most valuable aspects of Indonesia's defense partnership with South Korea.

According to him, South Korea's experience in developing advanced defense technologies provides Indonesia with important lessons for strengthening its own defense industrial base.

“South Korea learned much of its defense industrial capability from the United States, and Indonesia is learning from South Korea's experience. Technology transfer and human resource development are important components of this cooperation,” he said.

Prototype Package Valued at KRW 600 Billion​

The KF-21 prototype transfer package is reportedly valued at approximately 600 billion South Korean won (about USD 440 million).

The package includes:

  • A prototype KF-21 aircraft valued at roughly 350 billion won (approximately USD 257 million)
  • Additional development-related assets, equipment, and associated program costs

South Korea Highlights Defense Cooperation Benefits​

Separately, Kim Gi-Hyeon said South Korea's defense industry is now among the world's most technologically advanced while remaining relatively cost-competitive.

He argued that deeper defense cooperation would benefit Indonesia not only through technology transfers but also through training and capability development for Indonesian personnel.

“South Korea does not only provide technology transfer. It also contributes to the development and training of human resources needed to operate and manage these systems,” Kim said.
The KF-21 program represents one of Indonesia's most significant international defense-industrial partnerships and is expected to play an important role in strengthening the country's future aerospace and defense capabilities.

Source: ANTARA
 
Alhamdulillah

---------

Indonesian Ambassador: KF-21 Prototype Fully Paid and Ready for Delivery​


10 Juni 2026


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KF21 5th prototype for Indonesian Aerospace as test bed plane for home grown IFX development.


SEOUL
— Indonesia has fully settled its financial obligations for the KF-21 Boramae development program, and the prototype aircraft designated for Indonesia is now ready for delivery, according to Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea Cecep Herawan.

Speaking during the Indonesian Next-Generation Journalist Network program hosted by the Korea Foundation and the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia at the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul on June 10, 2026, Cecep confirmed that Indonesia's contribution related to the prototype aircraft has been fully paid.

“It has been agreed that one of the six KF-21 prototype aircraft will be handed over to Indonesia. Hopefully, this can be realized in the near future,” Cecep said.
The KF-21 Boramae is a next-generation fighter aircraft jointly developed by South Korea and Indonesia under a long-running defense cooperation program. The project has been one of Indonesia's largest international aerospace collaborations and includes technology transfer and industrial participation components.

According to Cecep, the transfer of the prototype aircraft was previously agreed upon as part of the settlement arrangement between the two countries. Indonesia is expected to receive one of the six KF-21 prototypes produced during the aircraft's development and testing phase.

The prototype earmarked for Indonesia is a single-seat KF-21 aircraft that has been used in various flight-test and verification activities, including aerial refueling trials.

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The ambassador's remarks indicate that the financial issues surrounding Indonesia's participation in the program have been resolved, paving the way for the delivery process.

The KF-21 joint development program, which has run for more than a decade, is expected to formally conclude in June 2026, after which discussions will focus on future cooperation and the utilization of technologies generated through the project.

The transfer of the prototype aircraft is expected to provide Indonesia with additional opportunities for aerospace technology development, testing, training, and future defense-industrial cooperation with South Korea.

Source: ANTARA
 

S. Korea's KF-21 fighter jet passes gov't-led flight safety evaluation​



10:20 June 16, 2026

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This photo, provided by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, shows a committee reviewing the flight safety evaluation results of South Korea's first homegrown KF-21 fighter jet at the government complex in Gwacheon, south of Seoul, on June 15, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)


SEOUL, June 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's first homegrown KF-21 fighter jet has received a flight safety certification from the government, the state arms procurement agency said Tuesday.

The KF-21 fighter jet earned the airworthiness certification on Monday, following the completion of a series of tests from April 2021 to 2026, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

A DAPA review committee approved that the aircraft had met all 745 requirements across 14 assessment areas, including electronic systems and aircraft structure.

The decision comes after the fighter jet had passed a combat readiness evaluation in May.

South Korea plans to deliver 120 KF-21 jets by 2032, with 40 initially produced aircraft focused on air-to-air capabilities to be delivered by 2028, followed by 80 additional jets with air-to-ground and air-to-ship capabilities.

It will deliver the first batch to the Air Force in the second half of this year, with additional units to be delivered in phases


 

KF-21 obtains type certification in South Korea​



By Greg Waldron | 17 June 2026


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Milestone is another step on KF-21’s march to service entry.

The Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-21 fighter has received its initial type certification, following a five-year airworthiness review process.

The certification campaign ran from April 2021 through April 2026, and included 745 items across 14 separate areas, according to Seoul’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

This means that certification work commenced well before the jet’s first flight on 19 July 2022.

“The airworthiness certification capabilities and experience we have accumulated over the years have served as a foundation for objectively verifying the flight safety of the KF-21, and this will be a decisive factor in securing the trust of overseas purchasing countries during future export processes,” says Kim Il-dong, deputy administrator of DAPA.

“Based on the flight safety certified by the government, we expect this to contribute significantly to the expansion of K-defense exports.”

The KF-21’s type certification follows its receipt of final combat suitability certification in May, confirming the Block 1 version’s initial air-to-air mission.

Following the KF-21’s type certification, the DAPA will conduct airworthiness certification for each KF-21 produced to ensure they accord with type-certified design standards.

Pending service entry with the Republic of Korea Air Force at the end of 2026, the KF-21 commenced mass production in 2024. So far, KAI has secured South Korean orders for 40 examples. The first production aircraft had its maiden flight in April.

Separately, a stock exchange filing for Hanwha Aerospace indicated that it will boost its shareholding in KAI to 10% by the end of 2026 – an increase on previous plans that called for it to boost its stake to 8%. Hanwha, which now holds a 6.5% stake in KAI, will spend W500 billion ($331 million) to obtain the additional KAI shares.

Hanwha is heavily involved in the KF-21, producing the fighter’s GE Aerospace F414-GE-400K engines under license. It is also developing a local engine to power the KF-21’s future Block 3 variant.

The company also produces the fighter’s active electronically scanned array radar, infrared search and track system, and electro-optical targeting pod.

Beyond the KF-21, Hanwha and KAI work together on other defence projects, including space and collaborative combat aircraft.

 
Rocket and Missile Production facilities in Indonesian Aerospace.

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Interesting to see cooperation between Indonesian Aerospace with South Korean LIG.

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Will indigenous South Korean missile for KF21 (underdevelopment) will also be produced in Indonesian Aerospace under-license ?

We will see.....

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Photo in front of Indonesian Aerospace Rocket and Missile Production Facility (Previously it is also producing torpedos (license from Germany))
 
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Indonesia completes payment for KF-21 joint development​


Updated : June 30, 2026 - 17:23:51
June 30, 2026 - 11:19:10

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Indonesia has paid its share of costs for the joint development of South Korea’s KF-21 fighter jet, Seoul officials said Tuesday.

According to South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration, Indonesia completed payment of its 600 billion won ($387 million) contribution to the KF-21 project on June 25.

The payment came after Jakarta pledged earlier this year to settle the remaining 64 billion won by the end of June. Indonesia had paid about 536 billion won as of April.

The 600 billion won covers the transfer of a prototype of the 4.5-generation fighter jet, personnel costs for Indonesian researchers and technology-transfer-related expenses, according to officials.

The KF-21 project was launched in 2015 to replace South Korea’s aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 aircraft and develop an indigenous fighter platform.

Indonesia joined the program as a joint development partner in 2016, helping give the project momentum by turning it into an international cost-sharing program at a time when it faced questions over its massive budget and technological challenges.

Initially, Indonesia agreed to shoulder about 20 percent of the KF-21 development costs, amounting to 1.6 trillion won. But after Jakarta fell behind on payments, citing economic difficulties, South Korea agreed to lower Indonesia’s contribution to 600 billion won and reduce the scope of technology transfers and development data to be provided.

The KF-21 development project was completed this month, while the first mass-produced KF-21 was rolled out in March in a ceremony attended by President Lee Jae Myung.

With the payment completed, Seoul is now expected to review the transfer of a KF-21 prototype to Jakarta.

The aircraft South Korea had promised to deliver to Indonesia is the fifth prototype, which made its maiden flight in May 2023 and has since undergone tests involving the active electronically scanned array radar and aerial refueling.

Attention is also on whether a separate export deal for 16 KF-21 jets to Indonesia, reportedly under discussion, will materialize.

“We will ensure that technology transfers of appropriate value corresponding to the adjusted contribution are made, taking into account national interests, technology protection and the bilateral defense cooperation relationship,” a DAPA official said.

The official declined to comment on Indonesia’s KF-21 procurement plan or budget allocation.


[email protected]

 

Indonesia completes payment for KF-21 joint development​


Updated : June 30, 2026 - 17:23:51
June 30, 2026 - 11:19:10

View attachment 203929

Indonesia has paid its share of costs for the joint development of South Korea’s KF-21 fighter jet, Seoul officials said Tuesday.

According to South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration, Indonesia completed payment of its 600 billion won ($387 million) contribution to the KF-21 project on June 25.

The payment came after Jakarta pledged earlier this year to settle the remaining 64 billion won by the end of June. Indonesia had paid about 536 billion won as of April.

The 600 billion won covers the transfer of a prototype of the 4.5-generation fighter jet, personnel costs for Indonesian researchers and technology-transfer-related expenses, according to officials.

The KF-21 project was launched in 2015 to replace South Korea’s aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 aircraft and develop an indigenous fighter platform.

Indonesia joined the program as a joint development partner in 2016, helping give the project momentum by turning it into an international cost-sharing program at a time when it faced questions over its massive budget and technological challenges.

Initially, Indonesia agreed to shoulder about 20 percent of the KF-21 development costs, amounting to 1.6 trillion won. But after Jakarta fell behind on payments, citing economic difficulties, South Korea agreed to lower Indonesia’s contribution to 600 billion won and reduce the scope of technology transfers and development data to be provided.

The KF-21 development project was completed this month, while the first mass-produced KF-21 was rolled out in March in a ceremony attended by President Lee Jae Myung.

With the payment completed, Seoul is now expected to review the transfer of a KF-21 prototype to Jakarta.

The aircraft South Korea had promised to deliver to Indonesia is the fifth prototype, which made its maiden flight in May 2023 and has since undergone tests involving the active electronically scanned array radar and aerial refueling.

Attention is also on whether a separate export deal for 16 KF-21 jets to Indonesia, reportedly under discussion, will materialize.

“We will ensure that technology transfers of appropriate value corresponding to the adjusted contribution are made, taking into account national interests, technology protection and the bilateral defense cooperation relationship,” a DAPA official said.

The official declined to comment on Indonesia’s KF-21 procurement plan or budget allocation.


[email protected]

Sorry for bothering you but I need to ask this. 2-3 days ago, I saw an article from Military Watch magazine stating the Indonesia has backed out of the KF-21 program completely due to payment issues and various other disputes with SK. I know that MWM isn't exactly reputable by any means but in the article, it was that the Indonesian PM has confirmed the news about backing out and further stated that Indonesia will purchase KF-21's directly from SK but there will no ToT and local manufacturing. Like I said, I don't trust MWM.
 
Sorry for bothering you but I need to ask this. 2-3 days ago, I saw an article from Military Watch magazine stating the Indonesia has backed out of the KF-21 program completely due to payment issues and various other disputes with SK. I know that MWM isn't exactly reputable by any means but in the article, it was that the Indonesian PM has confirmed the news about backing out and further stated that Indonesia will purchase KF-21's directly from SK but there will no ToT and local manufacturing. Like I said, I don't trust MWM.

It is because there are information that is not really followed by general journalists in Indonesia. So news can be misleading.

But it is true that 16 planes of KF21 block 2 is about to be ordered by Indonesia directly from Korea ( no assembly in Indonesia for this 16 planes order) inshaAllah.

The source is not Indonesia Defence Minister, but official from Defense Ministry saying 16 planes will be a direct purchase from Korea. This then lead to many narrative created by many journalists by bringing up old stories like accusation to Indonesian engineers and others where the issues have already been resolved.

Something the journalist dont know is that the direct order from South Korea is intended to fill the remaining 13 percent cost share for Indonesia.

So Korea wants Indonesia to have the original 20 % share as the 2025 June deal is slashing the cost share into just 7 % ( now just completed)

Despite it will be direct order, but some meaningful percentage of components will still be supplied from Indonesian Aerospace inshaAllah.

So with that 20 % share back to Indonesia, then I assume Indonesia will likely get the tech and right as like as the first deal like final assembly, sole supplier of some components, conducting upgrade (by Indonesian Aerospace) right, and one KF21 prototype for internal development by Indonesian Aerospace (for this prototype it is already confirmed by Korean side)

This new scheme to bring back Indonesia 20% share then will likely obligate Indonesia to add the previous 48 planes order, so I think Indonesia should buy 16 planes block 2 directly from Korea + the original 48 planes (based on previous 20 % deal, it will be produced in Indonesia) commitment, since the additional 16 planes is intended to bring back that 20 % Indonesia stake.

Just wait, inshaAllah.....
 

Indonesia completes payment for KF-21 joint development​


Updated : June 30, 2026 - 17:23:51
June 30, 2026 - 11:19:10

View attachment 203929

Indonesia has paid its share of costs for the joint development of South Korea’s KF-21 fighter jet, Seoul officials said Tuesday.

According to South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration, Indonesia completed payment of its 600 billion won ($387 million) contribution to the KF-21 project on June 25.

The payment came after Jakarta pledged earlier this year to settle the remaining 64 billion won by the end of June. Indonesia had paid about 536 billion won as of April.

The 600 billion won covers the transfer of a prototype of the 4.5-generation fighter jet, personnel costs for Indonesian researchers and technology-transfer-related expenses, according to officials.

The KF-21 project was launched in 2015 to replace South Korea’s aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 aircraft and develop an indigenous fighter platform.

Indonesia joined the program as a joint development partner in 2016, helping give the project momentum by turning it into an international cost-sharing program at a time when it faced questions over its massive budget and technological challenges.

Initially, Indonesia agreed to shoulder about 20 percent of the KF-21 development costs, amounting to 1.6 trillion won. But after Jakarta fell behind on payments, citing economic difficulties, South Korea agreed to lower Indonesia’s contribution to 600 billion won and reduce the scope of technology transfers and development data to be provided.

The KF-21 development project was completed this month, while the first mass-produced KF-21 was rolled out in March in a ceremony attended by President Lee Jae Myung.

With the payment completed, Seoul is now expected to review the transfer of a KF-21 prototype to Jakarta.

The aircraft South Korea had promised to deliver to Indonesia is the fifth prototype, which made its maiden flight in May 2023 and has since undergone tests involving the active electronically scanned array radar and aerial refueling.

Attention is also on whether a separate export deal for 16 KF-21 jets to Indonesia, reportedly under discussion, will materialize.

“We will ensure that technology transfers of appropriate value corresponding to the adjusted contribution are made, taking into account national interests, technology protection and the bilateral defense cooperation relationship,” a DAPA official said.

The official declined to comment on Indonesia’s KF-21 procurement plan or budget allocation.


[email protected]


I dont know why some one laught on this post ? Cost share of the program is paid per year to cover dev cost. So of course the cost share always complete at the end of development.
 

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