Indonesia Set to Receive KF-21 Fighter Jet Prototype from South Korea

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is expected to receive a prototype of the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet from South Korea following the completion of its funding commitments under the two countries' joint fighter aircraft development program.

Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea Cecep Herawan said the KF-21 project, which has been jointly developed for more than a decade, was officially completed in June 2026.

Under an agreement between the two countries, one of the six KF-21 prototypes produced during the program will be transferred to Indonesia.

"It has been agreed that one of the six KF-21 prototypes will be handed over to Indonesia. Hopefully, this can be realized in the near future," Cecep said during the Indonesian Next-Generation Journalist Network event at the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

According to Cecep, the joint development phase has now been completed, and future discussions will focus on how both countries can utilize the project's outcomes and explore potential areas for further cooperation.

Indonesia remains one of South Korea's key strategic partners in the defense industry. The two countries have maintained defense cooperation for decades, with Indonesia becoming one of the earliest overseas customers of South Korean defense products dating back to 1979.

The partnership has included Indonesia's acquisition of KT-1 Woongbi trainer aircraft in 2003, which are currently operated by the Indonesian Air Force's Jupiter Aerobatic Team, as well as the purchase of light combat aircraft often referred to as "Mini F-16s" in 2011.

Defense cooperation expanded further through a submarine construction project launched in 2017.

Beyond military procurement, Cecep emphasized that technology transfer and human resource development are among the most valuable aspects of Indonesia's defense partnership with South Korea.

"South Korea learned much of its defense industry expertise from the United States, and Indonesia is learning from South Korea's experience. Our Korean counterparts have also shared valuable insights on how to acquire technology effectively and in less sensitive ways," he said.

Separately, chairman of the South Korea-Indonesia Parliamentary Friendship Association, Kim Gi-Hyeon, said that South Korea's defense industry is now among the most technologically advanced in the world while remaining cost-competitive.

Kim noted that South Korean defense systems have demonstrated strong performance in several international conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions involving Iran and Israel.

"I believe it will be highly beneficial for Indonesia to strengthen cooperation with South Korea," Kim said, noting that South Korea not only provides technology transfer but also helps develop and train the human resources needed to operate and manage these systems.

Indonesia and South Korea previously agreed on the transfer of a single-seat KF-21 prototype used for multiple verification tests, including aerial refueling trials.

The transfer package is valued at approximately 600 billion South Korean won, including around 350 billion won for the aircraft itself and additional development-related costs. ***