Indonesia has restarted talks with South Korea for the procurement of 16 KF-21 Block-2 aircraft under the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet programme, which had long been suspended due to payment disputes. The risk of falling behind in the production queue has been a decisive factor in the process regaining momentum.
According to a report dated 9 January by Indonesia-based military publication Indomiliter, the Jakarta administration decided to prioritise a comprehensive aircraft procurement contract, taking into account the possibility of losing production slots. The report notes that the Philippines’ consideration of the KF-21 among strong candidates under its Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) programme has increased pressure on Indonesia.
Direct Procurement Model with KAI on the Table
Within this framework, it was reported that the Indonesian government has restarted negotiations with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the direct procurement of 16 KF-21 Block-2 aircraft. This move is assessed as a strategic step aimed not only at closing the current capability gap but also at securing production priority.
Indomiliter stated that, although issues related to cost-sharing have not been fully resolved, the approach of first signing a full aircraft procurement contract to guarantee the production queue has come to the fore.
Modernisation Process Continues After Rafale
According to defence analysts, this approach aims to ensure that the modernisation process initiated by the Indonesian Air Force with Rafale fighter jets continues uninterrupted and that defence industry cooperation with South Korea is maintained. At the same time, it seeks to prevent uncertainties in the KF-21 programme from undermining Indonesia’s long-term plans.
Block-2 Offers a “Fully Multirole” Configuration
The KF-21 Block-2 that Indonesia is interested in represents the next stage following the Block-1 version, which has begun deliveries to the South Korean Air Force. While the Block-1 version focuses primarily on air-to-air missions, the Block-2 configuration is classified as a fully multirole fighter aircraft.
Key capabilities highlighted in the Block-2 package include:
- Integration of precision-guided munitions
- Strike capability against ground targets
- Improvements in AESA radar performance
- Enhanced electronic warfare (EW) systems
Direct Block-2 Preference Interpreted as a Strategic Message
Local experts interpret Indonesia’s move to bypass Block-1 and opt directly for the Block-2 configuration as a strategic choice signalling an intention not merely to increase platform numbers, but to acquire the most advanced operational capabilities in a single step. It is noted that this approach may also provide advantages in terms of long-term operating costs and technical cooperation.
Cost-Sharing Issue Continues in the Background
Meanwhile, the issue of cost-sharing related to the KF-21 development process remains significant in the background of the negotiations. According to Indomiliter, Indonesia’s current move is viewed as a compromise model demonstrating commitment to long-term defence cooperation through operational aircraft procurement.
This is said to create common ground between South Korea’s objective of finalising the KF-21’s first export contract and Indonesia’s expectations regarding technology transfer and advanced capabilities.
Critical Threshold for KF-21 Exports
Defence industry circles point out that, if the competition for production slots—accelerated by the Philippines factor—results in a binding contract, the KF-21 Boramae could be positioned as a genuine export platform in the global market.
