Indonesia is poised to receive a prototype of South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae fighter jet following a recent working-level agreement reached in February under their joint development project.
The deal with South Korea advances amid Jakarta’s ongoing evaluation of multiple combat aircraft options, including the decision to drop talks with Boeing. Industry officials indicate that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) during a state visit in late March to early April, where a ceremonial signing of a preliminary agreement occurred for 16 jets, reduced from an initial plan of 48 due to budget constraints.
The KF-21, a 4.5-generation twin-engine fighter, completed its flight test program in January after over 1,600 sorties since the first prototype rollout in 2021. Originally launched in 2015 with 8.1 trillion won ($5.9 billion) investment, the program faced hurdles as Indonesia cut its contribution to 600 billion won and scaled back technology transfer expectations.
Separate reports note a renegotiation where Indonesia no longer receives the fifth prototype, though a February agreement confirms prototype transfer plans. The two sides aim to finalize an implementation contract in the first half of this year as Indonesia modernizes its air force.