IFX Indonesian Fighter Experiment (KF21/IFX program)

[Indos]

S. Korea, Indonesia discuss diversifying defense industry cooperation​

The two countries discussed co-development, local production and exports to third markets as they broaden defense industry ties.

Published November 11, 2026


President Lee Jae Myung, right, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto chat as they exchange gifts following their bilateral summit as they stroll along Nokjiwon, a garden in the Blue House complex in central Seoul, on April 1. BLUE HOUSE

Korea and Indonesia on Wednesday discussed efforts to diversify their defense industry cooperation, including co-developing defense assets and jointly exporting arms to third markets, Seoul's arms agency said.

The topics were addressed during a regular bilateral meeting on defense industry cooperation in Jakarta, led by officials from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and Indonesia's defense ministry, DAPA said.

"Officials discussed ways to diversify partnership models between the two countries' defense firms, including joint development, local production and joint exports to third-party markets," the arms agency said.

Both sides also reviewed the status of major ongoing defense cooperation projects and discussed follow-up steps to implement them, it added.



Korea has been developing its indigenous KF-21 fighter jet in partnership with Indonesia under an agreement to share development costs in exchange for technology transfers to Jakarta.

But the project hit snags as Jakarta sought to scale back its financial contribution in exchange for a reduced technology transfer. The two sides reached a compromise last year to cut Indonesia's investment share to 600 billion won ($448.3 million), roughly a third of the original commitment.

"We reaffirmed Indonesia remains a strategic defense technology partner from joint research and development to production, rather than a mere buyer of military hardware," DAPA said.

Going forward, DAPA said it plans to establish regular public-private consultative channels to support exchanges and cooperation between the two countries' defense industries.

Wednesday's meeting was followed by a business-to-business exchange session, during which industry officials explored future opportunities for joint defense industry projects, according to DAPA.

Yonhap

S. Korea, Indonesia discuss diversifying defense industry cooperation | Yonhap News Agency

SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and Indonesia on Wednesday discussed efforts to div...

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[Indos]

PTDI signed 4 MoUs with South Korea’s KAI & KAEMS at the 12th DICC. The cooperation covers the production of KF-21 fighter jet components, simulators, exploring commercial aircraft opportunities, and MRO services & fleet modernization for the CN235 and C212 to strengthen the global aerospace supply chain.

 

[Indos]

PT Dirgantara Indonesia Signs Four MoUs with South Korea's KAI and KAEMS to Expand Aerospace Cooperation

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Photo taken during KF21/IFX development completion Ceremony in South Korea

Jakarta, November 12, 2026 – As part of the 12th Meeting of the Defense Industry Cooperation Committee (DICC), PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) (PTDI) signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with two South Korean aerospace companies, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Korea Aviation Engineering & Maintenance Service, Ltd. (KAEMS), at the Ayana Midplaza Hotel in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, November 11.

The signing of the four MoUs involved PTDI President Director Gita Amperiawan, KAI President and CEO Jongchool Kim, and KAEMS President and CEO Kihong Bae.

The agreements represent a strategic step by PTDI to expand international collaboration while creating opportunities for business development and strengthening the capabilities of Indonesia's aerospace industry.

The cooperation also reflects PTDI's commitment to reinforcing its position in the global aerospace supply chain, covering both the defense and commercial aviation sectors.

PTDI and KAI Expand Collaboration in Defense and Commercial Aviation​

The strategic cooperation agreed upon by PTDI and KAI covers three main areas: production of KF-21 fighter aircraft components, simulator business development, and exploration of next-generation medium-sized commercial aircraft development.

In the defense sector, the cooperation focuses on follow-on production of three types of structural pylon assembly components for the KF-21 fighter aircraft:

1. Air-to-Air Adapter
2. Electro-Optical Targeting Pod (EOTGP) Adapter
3. Weapon Pylon Adapter

Under the KF-21 production program, PTDI has been designated as the sole-source supplier for these components.

To support the next phase of production, PTDI will increase component manufacturing capacity, optimize production processes, and strengthen its quality assurance systems to meet the agreed Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD) standards, with the necessary technical support from KAI.

In addition, the two companies are exploring cooperation in simulator business development, including Ground-Based Training Systems (GBTS) for aircraft crews and maintenance personnel.

The scope of cooperation includes simulator engineering, systems integration, lifecycle support, technical knowledge exchange, and human resource competency development.

The partnership also aims to increase local industry participation, develop supplier capabilities, and identify business opportunities in Indonesia and international markets.

Meanwhile, in the commercial aviation sector, PTDI and KAI are exploring the potential joint development of next-generation medium-sized commercial passenger aircraft.

This initiative includes assessments of market potential, aircraft technologies and design, as well as opportunities for further industrial partnerships.

PTDI and KAEMS Strengthen Maintenance Support and Fleet Readiness for CN235 and C212 Aircraft​

In addition to its agreements with KAI, PTDI has established cooperation with Korea Aviation Engineering & Maintenance Service, Ltd. (KAEMS) to strengthen Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) support for CN235 and C212 aircraft operated by the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) and the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).

The cooperation covers participation in depot-level maintenance activities, aircraft inspections and repairs, as well as capability development and technical alignment to support localized MRO services in South Korea.

The partnership also includes a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), modernization and upgrades of avionics systems, and the supply of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) spare parts, components, tooling, and other materials required for aircraft maintenance and repairs.

Furthermore, the two companies will explore training programs for engineers, technicians, and customer personnel covering aircraft maintenance, modifications, and troubleshooting.

PTDI will also provide technical support and engineering services, including engineering assistance and the deployment of technical specialists in the field as required.

Through these agreements, PTDI aims not only to expand business opportunities and strengthen Indonesia's aerospace industrial capabilities but also to reinforce defense and aviation industry cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea.

The collaboration is expected to contribute to the development of strategic partnerships that generate added value for both countries, strengthen global supply chains, and promote closer, more sustainable bilateral relations.

Source : Indonesian Aerospace