Indonesia is pushing to purchase 16 KF-21 Block-2 fighter jets due to concerns about the Philippines.
Jakarta is renegotiating the purchase of the fully multi-role KF-21 fighter jet in order to maintain priority in production and modernize its air force in the face of competition from Manila.
Indonesia has officially restarted negotiations with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to order 16 KF-21 Block-2 fighter jets. This move is seen as a strategic step to secure its position in the production chain before the Philippines overtakes it.
The race for manufacturing space in Southeast Asia.
Jakarta's decision to expedite the procurement process stems from direct competition with the Philippines. Since May 2024, Manila has expressed particular interest in the KF-21 for its Air Force's Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) program. Currently, the South Korean fighter jet competes with the US F-16V and the Swedish Saab Gripen.
Indonesian officials are concerned that if the Philippines finalizes the contract first, KAI's production line will prioritize Manila. This could push Indonesia's aircraft procurement plans to a lower priority. Despite unresolved issues regarding the sharing of development costs, Jakarta is prioritizing signing a complete aircraft purchase contract to retain its interests.
Upgrade to the versatile Block-2 version.
Notably, Indonesia chose to proceed directly to the Block-2 version, skipping the Block-1 phase which was being delivered to the South Korean Air Force. Unlike Block-1, which focused on air-to-air missions, Block-2 is a fully multi-purpose version.
Technically, the KF-21 Block-2 integrates precision ground attack capabilities and modern guided weapons. Its active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system and electronic warfare equipment have also been significantly upgraded in performance. This choice demonstrates Indonesia's determination to immediately acquire comprehensive combat capabilities.
Technical specifications and development roadmap
The KF-21 is a twin-engine supersonic aircraft with basic dimensions including a length of 13 meters, a height of 4.5 meters, and a wingspan of 14 meters. The aircraft is designed in both single-pilot and twin-pilot variants to suit a variety of training and combat purposes.
Regarding production progress, in June 2024, the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) signed a $1.4 billion contract to produce the first 20 KF-21s. The projected production schedule is to reach 40 aircraft by 2028 and aim for 120 aircraft by 2032.
In the future, South Korea has ambitions to upgrade the KF-21 into a complete fifth-generation fighter jet. Improvements will focus on stealth technology, advanced sensor systems, and especially the design of the internal weapons bay to minimize radar cross-section.
Despite remaining financial hurdles, Jakarta's latest move is seen as a necessary compromise to maintain its strategic partnership with Seoul. If the contract is implemented, it would be a significant milestone, making the KF-21 a key export weapon platform for South Korea in the region.
