Indonesia’s involvement in the development program of the next-generation KF-21 Boramae fighter jet is once again showing notable momentum. After experiencing delays for several years, the strategic cooperation between Jakarta and Seoul is now moving toward a more concrete phase, marked by Indonesia’s plan to purchase the KF-21 Block 2 variant.
This information emerged from a report by Jane’s, which revealed intensive discussions at the level of the two countries’ defense ministries. According to the report, these developments stemmed from a closed-door meeting held at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense on January 7, 2026.
The meeting followed up on a proposal previously conveyed directly by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in October 2025. It was from this engagement that the plan to acquire 16 units of the KF-21 Block 2 began to take on clearer shape.
Details Yet to Be Finalised
Documents obtained by Jane’s indicate that the January 7 meeting was chaired by the Head of the Program and Evaluation Office of the Defense Facilities Agency (Baranahan) at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense. Representatives from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI)—two key stakeholders in the KF-21 development program—were also in attendance.
The primary focus of the discussions went beyond the aircraft’s technical specifications and centered on financing arrangements. One of the critical issues addressed was the possibility of export credit facilities from the South Korean government through the Export-Import Bank of Korea.
Such a scheme is expected to help Indonesia meet its payment obligations under the KF-21 program while also financing the planned purchase of 16 KF-21 Block 2 aircraft. However, Jane’s noted that there is still no clarity regarding the size of the export credit facility to be extended.
In addition, it remains uncertain whether the initial agreement to procure 48 KF-21 aircraft will be revised to accommodate the planned acquisition of the Block 2 variant.
Next-Generation Fighter Design
The KF-21 Boramae is a fighter aircraft jointly developed by Indonesia and South Korea. It is designed to reach a maximum speed of around Mach 1.8, with a combat radius exceeding 1,000 kilometers.
Its maiden flight took place on July 19, 2022, marking a significant milestone in the history of the aerospace defense industries of both countries.
The aircraft is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K turbofan engines, which are assembled locally in South Korea under a special licensing arrangement. In its development, the KF-21 adopts a phased, block-based concept.
Block 1 is focused on air superiority missions, while Block 2 is designed as a multirole platform capable of conducting air-to-ground and air-to-sea operations. A future Block 3 variant is planned to feature more advanced stealth capabilities.
Production of the KF-21 Block 1 began in July 2024. The South Korean Air Force, as the launch customer, is scheduled to receive 40 Block 1 aircraft starting in March 2026.
Within this context, Indonesia’s interest in the Block 2 variant represents an important element in the continuation and deepening of the long-standing strategic cooperation between the two countries.
