lol that was funny great post
EN:
Indonesia Officially Ends KF-21 Development Partnership, Focuses on Purchasing Combat Aircraft Ready for Operational Use
Jakarta – Indonesia has officially ended its involvement as a co-development partner in South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae fighter jet program. The decision marks the end of a defense industry collaboration that has lasted for more than a decade.
The termination of the partnership was confirmed in statements issued by the Indonesian Defense Logistics Agency and officials from the Ministry of Defense in late June 2026. Moving forward, Indonesia has chosen to shift its strategy from a joint development scheme to the direct purchase of fighter jets that are ready for production and operation.
The head of the Indonesian Defense Logistics Agency, Air Marshal Yusuf Jauhari, stated that this decision was the result of a comprehensive evaluation aimed at maximizing technological mastery, economic value, and aligning with Indonesia’s defense modernization needs.
Ending the Partnership After a Decade
Indonesia joined the KF-X/IF-X program in 2014 as a development partner, committing to fund approximately 20 percent of the total development cost—equivalent to nearly 1.6 trillion South Korean won.
As part of this cooperation, Indonesia was set to receive technology transfer, aircraft assembly rights at PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), and the production of up to 48 aircraft assembled domestically.
In addition, Indonesian engineers were stationed directly at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) facilities to study aircraft structure development, avionics, and the integration of various major systems.
However, during the program’s implementation, the partnership faced several obstacles, primarily related to delays in Indonesia’s payment of its contribution, which triggered a series of renegotiations between the two countries.
In 2025, South Korea finally reduced Indonesia’s funding obligation from approximately 1.6 trillion won to about 600 billion won so that the development project could continue.
Indonesia then made its final payment of 63.6 billion won in June 2026, thereby fulfilling its funding obligations for the development phase.
As part of the collaboration’s conclusion, Indonesia received one KF-21 prototype, limited technical documentation, and the technical expertise gained by its engineers during the development process.
Shifting to Operationally Ready Fighter Jets
The Indonesian government assessed that the approach of directly purchasing certified fighter jets is more in line with the Indonesian Air Force’s modernization needs than continuing to bear the risks of long-term development.
This move was also influenced by ongoing priorities for procuring other major defense equipment, including the delivery of Dassault Rafale fighter jets from France and plans to procure KAAN fighter jets from Turkey.
With this strategic shift, Indonesia is said to have the opportunity to increase its Rafale order from 42 units to approximately 66 units, although there has been no official announcement regarding the realization of this additional purchase to date.
Technology and Budget Constraints
In addition to budgetary considerations, Indonesia’s decision was also influenced by an evaluation of the technology transfer process within the KF-21 program.
Indonesia is said to seek a deeper mastery of the technology—not merely manufacturing or assembly capabilities, but also a comprehensive understanding of the aircraft’s design and systems engineering.
On the other hand, the funding requirements for various defense modernization programs have forced the government to adjust its priorities so that the defense budget delivers operational benefits more quickly.
According to the Ministry of Defense, this approach is expected to yield more effective improvements in combat capabilities compared to maintaining involvement in a long-term development program.
Impact on South Korea
The end of Indonesia’s partnership poses a unique challenge for South Korea. Indonesia was the only international partner directly involved in the development of the KF-21 from the very start of the project.
This decision comes as Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) prepares to deliver the first production aircraft to the South Korean Air Force starting in September 2026.
Nevertheless, the KF-21 production program remains on schedule. The next challenge for South Korea is to expand the aircraft’s export market to other countries, including those in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
New Defense Modernization Strategy
Indonesia’s policy shift reflects a defense modernization strategy that prioritizes operational readiness over involvement in long-term development projects.
By focusing on the procurement of mature, ready-to-use platforms, the government hopes that the process of modernizing its air force can proceed more quickly while also m
ID:
Indonesia Resmi Akhiri Kemitraan Pengembangan KF-21, Fokus pada Pembelian Pesawat Tempur Siap Operasi
Jakarta – Indonesia secara resmi mengakhiri keterlibatannya sebagai mitra pengembangan bersama dalam program pesawat tempur KF-21 Boramae Korea Selatan. Keputusan tersebut menandai berakhirnya kerja sama industri pertahanan yang telah berlangsung selama lebih dari satu dekade.
Pengakhiran kemitraan itu dikonfirmasi melalui pernyataan Agensi Logistik Pertahanan Indonesia dan pejabat Kementerian Pertahanan pada akhir Juni 2026. Ke depan, Indonesia memilih mengubah strategi dari skema pengembangan bersama menjadi pembelian langsung pesawat tempur yang telah siap diproduksi dan dioperasikan.
Kepala Agensi Logistik Pertahanan Indonesia, Marsyal Madya TNI Yusuf Jauhari, mengatakan keputusan tersebut merupakan hasil evaluasi menyeluruh untuk memaksimalkan penguasaan teknologi, nilai ekonomi, serta menyesuaikan dengan kebutuhan modernisasi pertahanan Indonesia.
Akhiri Kemitraan Setelah Satu Dekade
Indonesia bergabung dalam program KF-X/IF-X pada 2014 sebagai mitra pengembangan dengan komitmen membiayai sekitar 20 persen dari total biaya pengembangan atau senilai hampir 1,6 triliun won Korea Selatan.
Sebagai bagian dari kerja sama tersebut, Indonesia direncanakan memperoleh transfer teknologi, hak perakitan pesawat di PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), serta memproduksi hingga 48 unit pesawat yang dirakit di dalam negeri.
Selain itu, para insinyur Indonesia ditempatkan langsung di fasilitas Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) untuk mempelajari pengembangan struktur pesawat, avionik, serta integrasi berbagai sistem utama.
Namun selama pelaksanaan program, kerja sama tersebut beberapa kali menghadapi kendala, terutama terkait keterlambatan pembayaran kontribusi Indonesia yang memicu serangkaian negosiasi ulang antara kedua negara.
Pada 2025, Korea Selatan akhirnya menurunkan kewajiban pendanaan Indonesia dari sekitar 1,6 triliun won menjadi sekitar 600 miliar won agar proyek pengembangan tetap dapat dilanjutkan.
Indonesia kemudian melunasi pembayaran terakhir sebesar 63,6 miliar won pada Juni 2026 sekaligus menutup kewajiban pendanaan dalam fase pengembangan.
Sebagai bagian dari penyelesaian kerja sama, Indonesia memperoleh satu prototipe KF-21, dokumentasi teknis terbatas, serta pengalaman teknis yang diperoleh para insinyur selama mengikuti proses pengembangan.
Beralih ke Pesawat Tempur Siap Operasi
Pemerintah Indonesia menilai pendekatan pembelian langsung pesawat tempur yang telah tersertifikasi lebih sesuai dengan kebutuhan modernisasi TNI Angkatan Udara dibandingkan tetap menanggung risiko pengembangan jangka panjang.
Langkah tersebut juga dipengaruhi oleh prioritas pengadaan alat utama sistem persenjataan (alutsista) lain yang saat ini sedang berjalan, termasuk proses pengiriman pesawat tempur Dassault Rafale dari Prancis dan rencana pengadaan pesawat tempur KAAN dari Turki.
Dengan perubahan strategi tersebut, Indonesia disebut berpeluang menambah jumlah pesanan Rafale dari 42 unit menjadi sekitar 66 unit, meski hingga kini belum ada pengumuman resmi mengenai realisasi tambahan pembelian tersebut.
Faktor Teknologi dan Keterbatasan Anggaran
Selain pertimbangan anggaran, keputusan Indonesia juga dipengaruhi oleh evaluasi terhadap proses transfer teknologi dalam program KF-21.
Indonesia disebut menginginkan penguasaan teknologi yang lebih mendalam, bukan hanya kemampuan manufaktur atau perakitan, melainkan juga pemahaman terhadap desain dan rekayasa sistem pesawat secara menyeluruh.
Di sisi lain, kebutuhan pembiayaan berbagai program modernisasi pertahanan membuat pemerintah harus melakukan penyesuaian prioritas agar anggaran pertahanan memberikan manfaat operasional yang lebih cepat.
Menurut Kementerian Pertahanan, pendekatan tersebut diharapkan mampu menghasilkan peningkatan kemampuan tempur secara lebih efektif dibandingkan mempertahankan keterlibatan dalam program pengembangan jangka panjang.
Dampak bagi Korea Selatan
Berakhirnya kemitraan Indonesia menjadi tantangan tersendiri bagi Korea Selatan. Indonesia merupakan satu-satunya mitra internasional yang terlibat langsung dalam pengembangan KF-21 sejak awal proyek dimulai.
Keputusan tersebut terjadi di saat Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) bersiap menyerahkan pesawat produksi pertama kepada Angkatan Udara Korea Selatan mulai September 2026.
Meski demikian, program produksi KF-21 tetap berjalan sesuai jadwal. Tantangan berikutnya bagi Korea Selatan adalah memperluas pasar ekspor pesawat tersebut ke negara-negara lain, termasuk di kawasan Asia Tenggara dan Timur Tengah.
Strategi Baru Modernisasi Pertahanan
Perubahan arah kebijakan Indonesia mencerminkan strategi modernisasi pertahanan yang lebih berorientasi pada kesiapan operasional dibandingkan keterlibatan dalam proyek pengembangan jangka panjang.
Dengan fokus pada pengadaan platform yang telah matang dan siap digunakan, pemerintah berharap proses modernisasi kekuatan udara dapat berlangsung lebih cepat sekaligus memberikan kepastian terhadap kemampuan operasional TNI Angkatan Udara di masa mendatang.
Some news about KF-21
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Well that is expected outcome.
it seems to mention things we kinda already know, so not that groundbreaking, but a good summary nevertheless
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Yep, I don’t get why people are talking about this again, it’s literally the same thing as reported few weeks ago
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Spot on by him, so this source is legit (same reporter who broke the news of our interest in the program well-before anyone else)
Leonardo, PT Esystem Solutions and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia Sign M-346 F Aircraft Procurement Contract to Meet Indonesian Air Force Training and Combat Requirements
Excerpts:
Leonardo and PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia today announced the signing of a contract to provide the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Republic of Indonesia with 12 Leonardo M-346 F “Block 20” multirole light fighter aircraft to meet Indonesian Air Force operational requirements. The contract, which follows the Letter of Intent (LOI) announced in February this year, includes the localisation of a range of support, maintenance, overhaul and training capabilities as well as human capital development. Deliveries are expected to start in 2030.
The programme will provide a major contribution to the Indonesian MoD’s aircraft fleet modernization plan, leveraging the M-346 advanced technology and performance. The M-346 F Block 20 will provide multirole combat capabilities and enable advanced training for Indonesian pilots.
The new M-346 F “Block 20” light fighter configuration standard will be equipped with cockpits featuring a Large Area Display (LAD), active electronically scanned radar, a Link 16 data-link, electronic countermeasures, and new weapons systems. It offers a complete, integrated advanced flight training system, including a GBTS (Ground Based Training System) - combined simulated elements and scenarios with real flights according to a Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) logic - with additional light combat capabilities for air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, enabled by advanced mission systems, equipment, and sensors, including aerial refuelling capability.
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So not only is it confirmed now, but the M-346FI Block 20 will be a unique variant to Indonesia, great. :P
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Nice
So once again Japan will have a very nice trainer and light attack aircraft potential from Thai/malay/indonesia
Also excited for their light attack prop aircraft like Tucano and AT6
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Cool do we know a date of when it may come?
2030 💀
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big oooof
Considering the backlog, I guess it’s understandable, the question is whether this game is still around or not when it comes lol
If the middleman is true to their words, Indonesian M-346 will got IRIS-T and a so-called MK-V Delta light cruise missile
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“Little bit of this, little bit of that” ahh airforce
Still waiting for that S and J
tbh, I think MICA would be better considering Indonesia will most likely operate MICA for the Rafale.
IRIS-T just for M-346 will just complicate the inventory, but I guess that’s nothing new lol
Now, will there be an update on this one too? We’ll just have to wait i guess
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It’ll be extra funny if it’s actually Indonesian :v
I mean, how are the poster know for sure it’s UZ from that distance lol
One of my favorite X China observers users who is not full of garbage. :-)
Though Rupprecht_A has been wrong before but the J-10 has been proven to work. Pl-15E makes full sense I wonder if they will get a awacs plane and full air defense kit.
USA was very shocked apparently with the effectiveness of Pakistan and there J-10
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People in the replies are saying that the aircraft’s camouflage isn’t the standard PLAAF or Pakistani scheme. I don’t actively follow Chinese aviation progress though, so I don’t know if it is true
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The picture is not good enough to tell anyway
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