IFX Indonesian Fighter Experiment (KF21/IFX program)

Indos · Aug 15, 2025

Former Jane Defence Representative in Indonesia

KF21 5th Prototype with Indonesian Aerospace engineers

Indos · Aug 15, 2025

The Indonesian House of Representatives Receives a Courtesy Visit from the South Korean President Special Envoy

Indos · Aug 15, 2025

Post from Yudi Supriono (Indonesian journalist specialized in aerospace and avionics)

The difference in autoclave sizes between the existing Metal Bonding & Composite Shop at PTDI and the KFX/IFX Hangar at PTDI.

Indos · Aug 15, 2025

KF21 5th prototype to be given to Indonesia is intended for development purposes. Indonesia will continue developing IFX continuously inshaAllah.

CN235 Flying Test Bed

Indos · Aug 15, 2025

South Korea has begun Research and Development (R&D) as part of programs to develop two types of air-launched ballistic missiles for arming its new KF-21 Boramae Block I/II Multirole Fighters.

The missiles will have a range of 500–1,000+ km, reach Mach 10 in the boost phase, and 1,700–1,150 m/s in the terminal phase, with INS, GPS correction, and likely both active radar and electro-optical seekers.

In parallel, work is underway on a missile equipped with a specialized warhead to cause large-scale short circuits, targeting energy infrastructure to disable command centers and disrupt North Korea’s military control.

Indos · Aug 15, 2025

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The Indonesian House of Representatives Receives a Courtesy Visit from the South Korean President Special Envoy

Meeting with South Korean Presidential Envoy, Prabowo Receives State Visit Invitation to Seoul

Kadek Melda Luxiana
Jumat, 15 Agu 2025 20:44 WIB

Jakarta –

President Prabowo Subianto received an honorary visit from the Special Envoy of the President of South Korea (ROK), Cho Jung-sik. The visit aimed to strengthen the special strategic partnership between the two countries.

According to the website of Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu RI) on Friday (August 15, 2025), the meeting took place on Thursday (August 14). Cho Jung-sik is a senior member of the South Korean parliament from the Democratic Party of Korea.

"During the meeting, the Special Envoy of the ROK conveyed the warm greetings and commitment of the President of the ROK, Lee Jae-myung, to work together with the President of Indonesia to strengthen the special strategic partnership between the two countries," stated the Kemlu RI.

On that occasion, Cho Jung-sik also delivered an invitation from Lee Jae-myung for President Prabowo to make a state visit to the South Korean capital, Seoul.

"In addition, the Special Envoy of the ROK also conveyed an invitation from the President of the ROK to the President of Indonesia to conduct a state visit to Seoul," he said.

Previously, on August 12, 2025, Cho Jung-sik had met with the Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Puan Maharani, and Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono. During that meeting, Cho Jung-sik reaffirmed the ROK’s readiness to support the priority programs of President Prabowo’s administration.

Sugiono also appreciated the commitment of the ROK government and encouraged increased investment from Korean companies in Indonesia, which currently number more than 2,300 entities. Sugiono and Cho Jung-sik also exchanged views on regional issues.

Meanwhile, Cho Jung-sik expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s important role in the region, including in promoting the strengthening of the ASEAN–ROK partnership.

The Indonesia–ROK Special Strategic Partnership has been in place since 2017. The ROK is one of Indonesia’s key economic partners, with trade valued at USD 20 billion and investments amounting to USD 3 billion in 2024.

Bertemu Utusan Presiden Korsel, Prabowo Terima Undangan Kenegaraan ke Seoul

Presiden Prabowo terima kunjungan Utusan Khusus Korsel, Cho Jung-sik, untuk memperkuat kemitraan strategis. ROK undang Prabowo kunjungan kenegaraan ke Seoul.

news.detik.com

Indos · Aug 19, 2025

EMD phase (2016-2026) Technology Restriction

There are 129 key technologies within KF21/IFX development, 9 of them cannot be involved by Indonesian engineers due to USA limitation.

Within 120 key technologies where Indonesian engineers can be involved, still some limitation exist from Korean side during development (EMD phase-2016-2026).

Indos · Aug 23, 2025

Strong support from West Java Governor to support Indonesian Aerospace to build another factory in new Kertajati Airport. This is actually a perfect place for Indonesian Aerospace to grow its business.

The empty land there is huge with long runway, perfect for production line and testing of KF21/IFX program. Should be started with final assembly line and IFX flight testing facilities, while component manufacturing line still can be conducted in current facility in Bandung, West Java.

It is proven that the Indonesian Aerospace Elang Hitam (Black Eagle) MALE UCAV maiden flight took place in Kertajati, Majalengka, West Java, not in the city of Bandung, West Java.

MALE UCAV Elang Hitam maiden fight in Kertajati, West Java

Perfect for R80 production line and testing as well, current facility in Bandung should be focused on CN235, N219, N219 Amphibious, Helicopter division, NC 212i, small UAV programs that dont need long run way and also aerostructure manufacturing. Kertajati is a good facility to start competing with ATR in this wide body airplane as place for final assembly line and flight testing.

Indonesian Aerospace MRO business line should be in Kertajati as well with its long runway and can accept even Airbus A380 Jumbo Jet plane.

Current facility in Bandung city, West Java

Indos · Sep 3, 2025

SM-3 Interceptor Missile and Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile Included in Next Year’s Defense Budget for the First Time

By Son Ha-neul

2025-09-03 10:32

KF-21 Takes Off

The SM-3 missile, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles during their mid-course phase when launched from an Aegis destroyer, along with an indigenously developed long-range air-to-air missile for the KF-21 fighter, have been included in next year’s defense budget for the first time.

The SM-3 acquisition project, with a down payment of 1 billion won, involves procuring about 20 U.S.-made SM-3 Block missiles to be deployed on King Sejong the Great-class Aegis destroyers. The goal is to intercept enemy ballistic missiles during their mid-course phase outside the Earth’s atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the domestic development program for the long-range air-to-air missile, allocated 5.4 billion won in next year’s budget, aims to equip the Korean-made KF-21 fighter with an indigenously developed missile. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) expressed expectations that this would not only strengthen operational capabilities but also enhance competitiveness in the global defense export market.

Next year’s overall defense budget is set at 66.29 trillion won, an increase of 8.2% from this year. The Ministry of National Defense explained that the budget focuses on reinforcing key response capabilities, including the strengthening of South Korea’s three-axis defense system, to ensure overwhelming deterrence in preparation for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON).

SM-3 요격미사일·장거리공대공미사일, 내년 국방예산 첫 반영

이지스구축함에서 발사해 탄도미사일을 중간단계에서 요격할 수 있는 'SM-3' 미사일과, KF-21에 장착할 국산 장거리공대공미사일이 내년 국방 예산에 처음으로 반영됐습니다. 착수금...

imnews.imbc.com

Indos · Sep 4, 2025

Refined Executive Summary – KF-21 Prototype No. 5 and Indonesia

Delivery Plan: South Korea’s KF-21 prototype No. 5 is slated for delivery to Indonesia’s PTDI in 2026, where it will be converted into the IF-21 prototype for airworthiness certification.
Beyond License Production: Unlike simple license manufacturing, PTDI is expected to co-develop the IF-21 variant, meaning Indonesia plays a role in adapting, certifying, and potentially evolving the KF-21 design — not just assembling jets.
Cost Sharing & Disputes: Indonesia committed ₩1.6 trillion (20% of development) but has paid only ₩400 billion, leading Korea to forgive ₩1 trillion. This has raised doubts about how much real development work can be sustained.
Strategic Motives: For Indonesia, co-development of IF-21 secures long-term fighter design know-how and guarantees aerospace workloads at PTDI, while for Korea, Indonesia provides economies of scale (48 aircraft) and a Southeast Asian MRO hub.
Geopolitical Context: Turkey’s Kaan, France’s Rafale, and China’s J-10 offer limited or no development involvement. The KF-21/IF-21 program remains Indonesia’s only realistic path to gain indigenous fighter development experience.

[오동룡의 밀리터리 인사이드] [단독] KF-21 시제 5호기, 인도네시아 보낸다 : 네이트 뉴스

한눈에 보는 오늘 : 홈 - 뉴스 : [서울=뉴스핌] 오동룡 군사방산전문기자= 국산 전투기 KF-21 보라매 시제 5호기가 내년 인도네시아에 인도된다는 소식이 인도네시아 현지에서 흘러나왔다. 최근 인도네시아 군사저널리스트 알만 헬바스 알리(Alman Helvas Ali)는 X(트위터)를

m.news.nate.com

Indos · Sep 5, 2025

Yesterday night, Defense enthusias community in Indonesia has discussion in twitter with KF21/ IFX topic. Participants include Indonesian KF21/ IFX test pilot and former Jane defense representatif, Alman Helvast. Many interesting info there

But one that is important to share is the input given by Defense Ministry representatif saying Indonesia cost share for 2025 has been paid in June (80 - 100 million USD) and Indonesia commit on the program.

KF21 flying performance already exceeding the requirement of Indonesian Airforce. The plane is powerful and has low drag. Good performance, better than F16 in maneuver and power. KF21 flying performance is still good and exceeding expectation with Heavy load and full of armament and fuel tanks. Cockpit is automatic and digitalized, easy to fly and operate.

Composite manufacturing will be something that Indonesian Aerospace needs to be mastered.

Potentially Indonesia will keep side by side with South Korea to develop KF21 until 2034 (Prabowo will likely win 2029 election, and his Presidency will end in 2034 if he win 2029 election) There is important meeting that will be held this month.

Good relationship with USA is important to let KF21 5th prototype send to Indonesian Aerospace in June 2026. Protection from technology leak should be enhanced as soon the prototype being developed in Indonesia inshaAllah.

Indonesia can, potentially, keep developing IF21 with budget 1.3 trillion Rupiah (around 80-100 million USD) each year. The budget is already something the economic ministry can allow. That is the amount of money Economic Ministry allow to be spend for development / R&D of KF21/ IFX each year.

Indos · Sep 6, 2025

The next milestone for Indonesian Aerospace is likely to have IF21 maident flight in Indonesia. Some structural changes will likely happen like the wings strengthening to accommodate bigger fuel tank. So there will likely be the plane with code name IF21 appear soon, inshaAllah

This version is also planned being capable to operate with shorter runway. ( plus longer range than KF21 due to bigger fuel tanks). IF21 is also expected to contain less US made critical components. (60 % of the component of KF21 already made by Korean companies)

Indos · Sep 10, 2025

A clinical trial doctor in the sky who is at the forefront of the construction of the future air force of the Republic of Korea.

He is Major Dajeong Jeong (39, construction 57th) of the 52nd test flight squadron of the Air Force Test and Evaluation Team. Major Jung is a test pilot working with the Korean fighter KF-21, which is set to become a combat fighter next year.

It is his job to test-fly the KF-21, the future core power of the Korean Air Force, to prove its practical effect and find improvements. Unlike clinical trial doctors who verify safety and effectiveness in patients in the process of developing new drugs, they throw themselves out and risk KF-21 to extreme situations. As such, he was selected as the winner of this year's Ponyjeong For the Award. He was also recently selected as a candidate for promotion to lieutenant colonel and received a double celebration.

On the 9th, Major Jung lowered himself in an interview with Maeil Economy, saying, "I will receive the award on behalf of the soldiers, police, fire, correctional, and maritime police who are silently performing their duties." "We found quite similarities in the development history of T-50 and KT-1 aircraft, including the Pony and KF-21, Korea's first unique model cars," he said. "I felt a lot of emotions in that part that I continued without losing my direction to move on despite the difficulties."

The For-profit The Award, presented by the Pony Chung Foundation, is an award given to innovators under the age of 40 who have made positive changes in society with an enterprising spirit since 2020 to continue the innovation and challenge spirit of the late HDC Group Honorary Chairman Chung Se-young, the founder of Hyundai Motor.

Before becoming a test pilot, Maj. Gen. Chung defended his country as a combat pilot in the KF-16, the current flagship of the Air Force. "I was excited to hear from a close senior that 'KF-21 will soon start a development test flight,'" he said, explaining why he chose this path. He also explained, "I wanted my experience and skills as a pilot to help national businesses."

The path of a test pilot was unfamiliar and difficult for Major Jeong, a veteran combat pilot with a flight record of 1,300 hours. He successfully completed 11 months of domestic test flight education and training and 9 months of practical training at overseas flight test schools, and opened the door to a test pilot for the first time as a female soldier since the establishment of the Air Force.

"My personal goal is to be a capable pilot who performs his role better than the title of 'First Female Army,'" Major Chung said. "I will silently carry out the mission given to me for that." Regardless of gender, he aims to become a soldier who leaves a footprint that his juniors can trust and follow.

A test flight pilot is an 'extreme job' in which he must turn off and on the fighter engine from the sky, or deliberately lose control and then recover it. This is also a dangerous but must-do mission to make KF-21, an aggregate of K-bangs, more powerful. Major Chung said, "There are always risks in entering unknown areas," but stressed, "Engineers on the ground identify risk factors through countless simulations and share them with pilots."

Asked what the strength of the KF-21 developed independently by South Korea, Maj. Chung replied, "It can be improved and modified by reflecting the needs of our ROK Air Force pilots immediately." It is also a privilege that only pilots from countries that have developed their own fighter jets can have to create the optimal aircraft by immediately reflecting the characteristics and voices of Korean Air Force pilots.

"The KF-21 still has a specification that does not lag behind world-class aircraft, but we can improve the functions of the parts we need when we want and test-run our own weapons," he said.

Major Jung said, "The words and actions of the teachers who taught me, the instructors, and the seniors who wanted to resemble me became my basis," and hoped to continue to be a person worthy of the weight of the uniform.

[Reporter Kim Sung Hoon]

A clinical trial doctor in the sky who is at the forefront of the construction of the future air for.. - MK

A clinical trial doctor in the sky who is at the forefront of the construction of the future air force of the Republic of Korea. He is Major Dajeong Jeong (39, construction 57th) of the 52nd test flig..

www.mk.co.kr

It is a women, Korean media use poor AI to translate it so instead of using she/her, the translation uses he/him