Indonesia has officially withdrawn from the joint production program of the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet with South Korea, opting instead to purchase ready-made aircraft. The move could still include direct procurement of the same fighter from Seoul.
The 2015 agreement, which included technology transfer, delivery of a prototype, and local production of 48 KF-21 fighters in Indonesia, will no longer be implemented. Jakarta had initially committed to covering 20 percent of the fighter's development costs but reduced its contribution due to financial difficulties and payment delays. Under the revised arrangement, Indonesia will receive a single KF-21 prototype after paying the newly agreed amount.
Meanwhile, Indonesia is pursuing purchases of ready-made fighters, including evaluating an order for 24 additional Rafale jets from France. The country has also signed a $10 billion contract for 48 KAAN stealth fighters from Turkey, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2032. Analysts note that Indonesia's exit from the joint production project simplifies export prospects for the KF-21 and, if Jakarta proceeds with a direct purchase, it could become the fighter's first foreign customer.