ASIATODAY.ID, SEOUL— Indonesia has completed its financial commitment to the joint development of South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae fighter jet, paying 600 billion won (approximately US$425 million), a move that paves the way for technology transfer and could accelerate Jakarta’s military modernization efforts.
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) confirmed that Indonesia made its final payment on June 25, bringing to a close years of negotiations over Jakarta’s participation in one of Asia’s most ambitious indigenous fighter aircraft programs.
The payment covers Indonesia’s revised contribution to the KF-21 development project, including costs associated with technology transfer, participation of Indonesian researchers, and the delivery of a prototype aircraft.
Originally launched in 2015, the KF-21 Boramae program is South Korea’s flagship effort to replace its aging F-4 Phantom and F-5 fighter fleets while establishing an advanced domestic aerospace industry.
Indonesia joined the program in 2016 as the sole international development partner, initially agreeing to finance around 20 percent of development costs.
However, after repeated payment delays linked to budgetary constraints, Seoul agreed to reduce Jakarta’s contribution to 600 billion won, accompanied by a corresponding reduction in the scope of technology and development data to be transferred.
With the payment now completed, South Korea is expected to move forward with transferring the fifth KF-21 prototype to Indonesia. The aircraft first flew in May 2023 and has since undergone extensive testing, including trials involving its Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and aerial refueling capability.
South Korean officials said technology transfers will be implemented in line with Indonesia’s revised financial contribution while safeguarding South Korea’s national security interests and sensitive defense technologies. Specific details of the technology package have not been disclosed.
The completion of the payment also comes as both countries continue discussions over Indonesia’s reported plan to acquire 16 production-model KF-21 fighter jets.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense has recently clarified that Jakarta will no longer participate in the aircraft’s joint production but instead intends to procure the fighters directly from South Korea, reflecting a shift toward a simpler acquisition model while maintaining bilateral defense cooperation.
The development marks a significant milestone in Indonesia–South Korea defense relations at a time when Indo-Pacific countries are expanding investments in advanced military capabilities amid growing regional security challenges.
For Indonesia, the agreement provides access to advanced aerospace technology while supporting the modernization of the Indonesian Air Force. For South Korea, it reinforces Seoul’s ambition to establish the KF-21 as a competitive export platform in the global fighter aircraft market. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News, WA Channel, and LinkedIn