IFX Indonesian Fighter Experiment (KF21/IFX program)

KAI CEO calls for swift resolution with Indonesia on KF-21 issues​


May 22, 2025 - 14:47:04

1747895645380.jpeg
KAI CEO Kang Goo-young (left) briefs Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (second from left) on the KF-21 and FA-50M fighter jets at the LIMA 2025 defense exhibition in Langkawi, Malaysia, Tuesday. (Korea Aerospace Industries)

By Hwang Joo-young and Joint Press Corps

LANGKAWI, Malaysia — Korea Aerospace Industries CEO Kang Goo-young on Wednesday expressed hopes for a swift resolution to tensions with Indonesia, which joined the company as a key partner in 2016 in the development of the KF-21 fighter jet — KAI’s most advanced 4.5-generation aircraft project.

The partnership has soured since 2023, when several Indonesian technical researchers were caught attempting to remove sensitive files from the joint development site in Korea using an unauthorized USB device. Five of the personnel are under investigation and remain banned from leaving the country, which is believed to be a source of growing dissatisfaction in Jakarta.

Speaking with South Korean reporters at the LIMA 2025 defense exhibition in Langkawi, Kang said the issue should be “resolved amicably within the legal framework,” expressing concerns that prolonged friction with Indonesia could complicate broader efforts to promote the KF-21 across the region.

Despite speculation that Indonesia may be preparing to withdraw from the KF-21 program, Kang said he does not believe that to be the case.

Indonesia still owes about 200 billion won ($145.8 million) in development costs — 100 billion won for this year and another 100 billion for next year — and according to Kang, the Indonesian government has already budgeted the 2024 payment.

"That’s not a signal of withdrawal," he said, adding that Indonesia is closely monitoring the KF-21's progress and is unlikely to walk away easily.


Still, Kang acknowledged that deteriorating ties with Jakarta could shift the regional dynamic. He pointed to Indonesia’s growing interest in co-developing Turkey’s next-generation fighter, the KAAN, and said that if Malaysia were to join such an initiative, it could complicate South Korea’s broader ambitions in Southeast Asia.

Restoring cooperation with Indonesia, he stressed, is not just about preserving bilateral ties — it’s also about maintaining strategic footing in a competitive market. Kang noted that many Southeast Asian countries view China as a growing security concern.

“In the past, China used battleships to project power,” he said. “Now it’s aircraft carriers.” This shift, he added, is prompting countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia to seek high-performance fighter jets. Although many would prefer the F-35, US export restrictions make that difficult, giving the KF-21 an opening.

Interest in the aircraft is also growing. According to Kang, a high-ranking Malaysian official visited the KAI booth during the exhibition and asked how the KF-21 compares with China’s J-10 fighter. On May 7, a Pakistani J-10 reportedly shot down a Rafale fighter from the Indian Air Force, which had acquired the jets from France.

In that conversation, Kang said he positioned the KF-21 as a cost-effective but high-performance alternative to European fighters. “Compared to 4.5-generation jets like the Rafale or Eurofighter, the KF-21 delivers 150 percent of the performance at 70 to 80 percent of the cost,” he told the official.

In an effort to keep the partnership with Indonesia on track, South Korea has offered to reduce the country’s share of development costs from 1.6 trillion won to 600 billion won. However, Jakarta has not officially responded.

KAI has also submitted multiple petitions to the South Korean authorities requesting leniency for the Indonesian personnel involved in the data breach, arguing that the leaked materials likely did not contain core technical information.

“We hope this can be resolved through political and diplomatic channels,” Kang said. “From a national interest standpoint, it’s time to move beyond this dispute.”


Correction from me. Indonesia restarted the cost share payment in 2022 (cost share is not paid at once but gradually until development phase is completed in 2026 inshaAllah). Indo has paid for 2024 cost share as well, and for 2025 cost share payment it has been budgeted. You can see gov document in previous page of this thread

This is from Chosun for cost share payment until 2024

1747896053540.png

2025 cost share payment has been budgeted by Indonesia government. This is gov document. If you see on the document than the payment schedule is in June 2025, similar like previous year payment in 2024

1747896111104.jpeg
 

KAI CEO calls for swift resolution with Indonesia on KF-21 issues​


May 22, 2025 - 14:47:04

View attachment 122772
KAI CEO Kang Goo-young (left) briefs Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (second from left) on the KF-21 and FA-50M fighter jets at the LIMA 2025 defense exhibition in Langkawi, Malaysia, Tuesday. (Korea Aerospace Industries)

By Hwang Joo-young and Joint Press Corps

LANGKAWI, Malaysia — Korea Aerospace Industries CEO Kang Goo-young on Wednesday expressed hopes for a swift resolution to tensions with Indonesia, which joined the company as a key partner in 2016 in the development of the KF-21 fighter jet — KAI’s most advanced 4.5-generation aircraft project.

The partnership has soured since 2023, when several Indonesian technical researchers were caught attempting to remove sensitive files from the joint development site in Korea using an unauthorized USB device. Five of the personnel are under investigation and remain banned from leaving the country, which is believed to be a source of growing dissatisfaction in Jakarta.

Speaking with South Korean reporters at the LIMA 2025 defense exhibition in Langkawi, Kang said the issue should be “resolved amicably within the legal framework,” expressing concerns that prolonged friction with Indonesia could complicate broader efforts to promote the KF-21 across the region.

Despite speculation that Indonesia may be preparing to withdraw from the KF-21 program, Kang said he does not believe that to be the case.

Indonesia still owes about 200 billion won ($145.8 million) in development costs — 100 billion won for this year and another 100 billion for next year — and according to Kang, the Indonesian government has already budgeted the 2024 payment.

"That’s not a signal of withdrawal," he said, adding that Indonesia is closely monitoring the KF-21's progress and is unlikely to walk away easily.


Still, Kang acknowledged that deteriorating ties with Jakarta could shift the regional dynamic. He pointed to Indonesia’s growing interest in co-developing Turkey’s next-generation fighter, the KAAN, and said that if Malaysia were to join such an initiative, it could complicate South Korea’s broader ambitions in Southeast Asia.

Restoring cooperation with Indonesia, he stressed, is not just about preserving bilateral ties — it’s also about maintaining strategic footing in a competitive market. Kang noted that many Southeast Asian countries view China as a growing security concern.

“In the past, China used battleships to project power,” he said. “Now it’s aircraft carriers.” This shift, he added, is prompting countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia to seek high-performance fighter jets. Although many would prefer the F-35, US export restrictions make that difficult, giving the KF-21 an opening.

Interest in the aircraft is also growing. According to Kang, a high-ranking Malaysian official visited the KAI booth during the exhibition and asked how the KF-21 compares with China’s J-10 fighter. On May 7, a Pakistani J-10 reportedly shot down a Rafale fighter from the Indian Air Force, which had acquired the jets from France.

In that conversation, Kang said he positioned the KF-21 as a cost-effective but high-performance alternative to European fighters. “Compared to 4.5-generation jets like the Rafale or Eurofighter, the KF-21 delivers 150 percent of the performance at 70 to 80 percent of the cost,” he told the official.

In an effort to keep the partnership with Indonesia on track, South Korea has offered to reduce the country’s share of development costs from 1.6 trillion won to 600 billion won. However, Jakarta has not officially responded.

KAI has also submitted multiple petitions to the South Korean authorities requesting leniency for the Indonesian personnel involved in the data breach, arguing that the leaked materials likely did not contain core technical information.

“We hope this can be resolved through political and diplomatic channels,” Kang said. “From a national interest standpoint, it’s time to move beyond this dispute.”


Correction from me. Indonesia restarted the cost share payment in 2022 (cost share is not paid at once but gradually until development phase is completed in 2026 inshaAllah). Indo has paid for 2024 cost share as well, and for 2025 cost share payment it has been budgeted. You can see gov document in previous page of this thread

This is from Chosun for cost share payment until 2024

View attachment 122774

2025 cost share payment has been budgeted by Indonesia government. This is gov document. If you see on the document than the payment schedule is in June 2025, similar like previous year payment in 2024

View attachment 122776
Why is this head of the company talks so much about geo politics, lol?
He is like China very bad very dangerous, so come to buy our jet.
 
We can see space here, it is the space intended for either make it for weapon bay or using it for more electronic equipment to control drone or other purposes

If you see the article in Indonesian media around 2014, it is designed since the start to be 5 generation without the need to redesign it again as it is very stupid to make double design jobs while you can do it at once. And the designers are of course unlikely to be stupid...


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KFX / IFX program continued , Government Asked to Immediately Selecting Design

February 6, 2014 (Angkasa/Space Magazine)

1748238757905.png


"Program KFX / IFX is a multi - program years , costly, and involve various sectors and foreign partners. For that there must be a definite declaration on it goes. For Indonesia it is important to determine the financing schemes and their human resources planning, "said Dr Rais Zain, M. Eng , KFX / IFX Configuration Design Leader for Angkasa , in late January.

Superior to the Su - 35 Program, KFX / IFX was stopped temporarily by Korea's new leader Park Geun - Hye end of 2012 after reviewing the state financially in the country. This prestigious project was worked on since the beginning of 2011, shortly after President Lee Myung - bak and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono confirmed the bilateral cooperation in the defense field in Jakarta. From the Technology Development Phase that has been completed, a team of scientists has completed a number of conical design that later became two.

The two designs is a model of the stealth fighter jet -winning twin-engine air superiority with horizontally - tails in the back, and the other one is with canards on the front. "Each has consequences different financing and partners. Thus , it must first be decided which one is selected. It is important that when followed, all parties are ready to do it , "said Rais Zain , whose day-to- day lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering, Aerospace Engineering,ITB, Bandung.

As stated Deputy Minister of Defense Sjafrie, Korean parliament has prepared 20 million U.S. dollars (temporary , Indonesia : $ 5 million) to continue this program in 2015. At that time , the team will go to the Engineering Manufacturing Development Phase. In addition must have a high thrust engine with a power to be able to fight in the air, the aircraft must also have weapons stored in the internal weapons bay , the data - link capable of randomizing communications, advanced radar target voters, and anti - jamming device.

PS : Sjafrie is now Indonesian Defense Minister - Indos info

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My other rants seeing many defense media saying there is no certainty for Indonesia gov to buy KF21

Dude, here is KFX/IFX production facility in Indonesian Aerospace. Do you think after investing both in human hours through development phase (each partner has work shares, so beside there is cost share, there is also work shares that are shared in any JV development) and also financial contribution that will likely be completed next year, do you still have doubt Indonesia will order the plane ?

Here is KFX/IFX production line in Indonesian Aerospace. Despite it is not yet completed, but nevertheless investment is already going on

With production line investment is already poured, so it is also unlikely the plane will be ordered just 48, but of course it will likely in gradual order just like for example France Air Force is still ordering Rafale as of now.......I would say at minimum it will likely exceed 100 planes until 2045

There are two hangars built inside Indonesian Aerospace complex for KFX/IFX program. First is for high grade composite manufacturing and second is Final Assembly. For part manufacturing hangar and metal part production, Indonesian Aerospace can use current facility.

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Alhamdulillah

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Alhamdulillah

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what, those Indonesian were been detained all these times?
 
what, those Indonesian were been detained all these times?

There are 5 engineers that according to SK are involved in this alleged accusation. They are not detained, they just cannot leave South Korea because the case was still on going.

Other Indonesian engineers including two Indonesian test pilots keep working as usual
 
There are 5 engineers that according to SK are involved in this alleged accusation. They are not detained, they just cannot leave South Korea because the case was still on going.

Other Indonesian engineers including two Indonesian test pilots keep working as usual

These 5 engineers are senior engineers, so their present in SK are still helpful since Indonesia send many junior engineers in what we can call as near completion of KF21 block 1 development. They live in the same building with other Indonesian engineers. So giving advice or other things to junior engineers I expect to happen during the period in SK. One of 5 engineers is also reported as very senior among Indonesian engineers there.

So I will explain the engineers sending policy. In TD phase (beginning of 2011 until end of 2012 (December 2012 to be precise) the Indonesian engineers sent is the most senior since the plane that we are building will depend on that TD phase, the look, the capability, and whether this is right to reach 5 gen or in steps

Then in the midth of development, more junior engineers are sent to make them gain experience, since if we send all very senior engineers then the program will not likely improve Indonesian Aerospace as they will retire not long after the development is completed. In the end of development, then mostly it is junior engineers with some engineers are senior to give them many technical support
 
Indonesian defense ministry, represented by Deputy Defense Minister, witnessed the sign of strategic partnership between Indonesian Aerospace with Korean Aerospace Today. Both companies are represented by their own CEO

More info will be put here later if more information coming up by waiting Indonesian media to do hopefully clever coverage on this signing by asking details matter

I would speculate one of the things getting signed is on KF21 supply chain matter and about the scedule of KF21 5th prototype being sent to Indonesian Aerospace for IFX development, and relocation of trainer jet KT Wongbee production facility from KAI into Indonesian Aerospace.
 

S. Korea, Indonesia finalize deal to cut Jakarta's payments for KF-21 fighter jet project​


1749794546620.jpeg
Indos photo document


10:07 June 13, 2025

SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and Indonesia have finalized a deal to slash Jakarta's contribution to the joint KF-21 fighter jet project to 600 billion won (US$443 million), about one-third of the original amount, Seoul's defense procurement agency said Friday.


The two sides signed the agreement at an arms exhibition in Jakarta on Wednesday, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said, clearing uncertainties over the financing of the 8.1 trillion-won project.

The project, launched in 2015, is designed to develop an advanced supersonic fighter jet.

Indonesia had originally agreed to shoulder about 20 percent of the project's cost as a partner country through June 2026 in return for Seoul's technology transfers and other conditions.


But Jakarta failed to keep up with payment deadlines and in May last year proposed lowering its total contribution to 600 billion won and reducing the level of technology transfers.



While Seoul approved the cut to Jakarta's contribution last August, the two sides had struggled to sign a revised agreement amid tensions over a police investigation into alleged technology theft by Indonesian engineers at Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd., the KF-21's manufacturer, earlier that year.


This week's signing appears to indicate the two sides have moved past the issue.


"Indonesia's defense ministry has said it has begun administrative procedures to pay the remaining contribution amount and if the payments are made as planned, defense industry cooperation between the two countries is expected to gain momentum," DAPA said in a release.


On the sidelines of the exhibition, DAPA officials met Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto and agreed to expand defense industry cooperation beyond fighter jets to land-based and maritime systems.



The KF-21 project is currently in its final stages, with the first production model set to be delivered to the Air Force in the second half of next year.


[email protected]

 
Translation from Google / Not a perfect translation

Much more detail inforrmation than news reported by Yonhap



1749795633335.jpeg
The KF-Korean fighter jet KF-21 (INDONESIA's NAME IF-X) Boramae project, which is being developed by Korea and Indonesia, has been finalized with a reduction of 60 billion won from the existing KRW1 trillion to KRW1 trillion. Data Photo. [Herald DB]

2025.06.13. AM 9:33



The Indonesia side is expected to pay the remaining 200 billion won in two installment of 100 hundred billion won each per year.

However, the scope of the transfer of specific technology according to the reduction of the share on the Indonesia side, etc. KF-21 After the development of the system, further negotiations and discussions will have to be carried out.

1749795715438.jpeg
The KF-Korean fighter jet KF-21 (INDONESIA'S NAME IF-X) Boramae project, which is being developed by Korea and Indonesia, has been finalized with a reduction of 60 billion won from the existing KRW1 trillion to KRW1 trillion. Suk Jong-gun, head of the Defense Business Administration, and Indonesian Defense Minister Safrie Samsuddin meet.


In addition, the two countries also discussed IFX mass production. KAI and Indonesian state own company, PTDI, agreed to concretize, expand and strengthen their strategic cooperation covering every thing from production to marketing for the practical implementation of IFX mass production, including establishing and maintaining production and final assembly facilities, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).



Shin Dae-won [email protected]


 
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Seoul, Jakarta in KF-21 compromise; Kaan commitment downplayed​


By Greg Waldron
13 June 2025

South Korea and Jakarta have reached an agreement to reboot their cooperation in the KF-21 fighter programme, as the Southeast Asian nation downplays the firmness of an agreement to obtain 48 Turkish Aerospace (TAI) Kaan fighters.


According to Seoul’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration, officials from both countries have confirmed an arrangement that sharply reduces Jakarta’s financial commitment in the programme.

1749798516956.jpeg
Source: Greg Waldron/FlightGlobal

The KF-21 prototypes look set to retain the Indonesian flag

The revised deal was signed at the IndoDefence show in Jakarta this week.


According to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, Jakarta was originally to pay W1.7 trillion ($1.2 billion) towards the W8.1 trillion programme, but this has cut to W600 billion. Jakarta has, reportedly, paid W400 billion already.



“The Indonesian Ministry of National Defense stated that it is currently initiating administrative procedures to pay the remaining share for the joint development of the KF-21, and if the share is paid as planned, defence industry cooperation between the two countries is expected to gain momentum again,” says DAPA.


As a result of the change Jakarta will receive less technology transfer.


It also appears that another stumbling block to cooperation on the programme, which envisages an IF-X variant for Indonesia, were allegations that Indonesian engineers in South Korea attempted to steal programme data on USB devices.


DAPA acknowledges that the incident, which resulted in a police investigation, strained the relationship. Indonesian media reports, however, quote the country’s foreign ministry as saying that all five engineers were acquitted in South Korea, and have returned home.



DAPA adds that it also used the IndoDefence platform to discuss the infrastructure for production of the IF-X. Plans call for South Korea to operate 120 KF-21s and Indonesia 50 IF-X jets.


Separately, Jakarta is downplaying the significance of an agreement with TAI to obtain 50 Kaan fighters within 120 months.


Speaking with local media, defence ministry spokesman Ferdinand Frega said the Kaan agreement was a memorandum of understanding, and that the number of Kaans to be obtained has yet to be determined.


“We can only hope that the number meets our needs, but what we wish to highlight is the opportunity to cooperate,” says Frega. “Without a contract, the deal is not legally binding. I would only disclose the amount once we have signed the contract.”



Indonesia also has a MOU with Boeing to buy the F-15EX, and has even expressed interest in the Chengdu J-10C fighter from China.


 
Indonesian Defense Minister, Syafrie Samsoedin, and South Korea DAPA Minister

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