Indonesia plans to finalize a contract for 16 KF-21 Block II fighter jets during President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to South Korea from March 31 to April 2, 2026. Officials aim to secure the agreement at a summit with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on April 1, according to a government source cited by Dong-A Ilbo.
The KF-21 Boramae, developed jointly by South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Indonesia with an 80:20 cost-sharing ratio, faced setbacks from Indonesia’s delayed payments, originally committing to 1.6 trillion won later reduced to 600 billion won. Initial plans targeted 48 aircraft for Indonesia, but recent negotiations focus on 16 Block II units to revive participation and secure production priority amid competition from the Philippines.
High-level talks began January 7, 2026, at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense in Jakarta, chaired by Air Commodore Jon Ginting. Attendees included KAI and PT Dirgantara Indonesia representatives, discussing Export-Import Bank of Korea financing for the squadron-sized order. Janes reported this revised procurement framework follows APEC summit discussions in October 2025.
Block II enhances the Block I—entering South Korean Air Force service in March 2026—with multirole capabilities, including precision-guided weapons, upgraded radar, and electronic warfare systems. Serial production started July 2024 after the prototype’s first flight on July 19, 2022. Indonesia’s move aligns with Rafale acquisitions to modernize its air force while maintaining defense-industrial ties with Seoul.