South Korean aerospace manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is looking to deepen its defense cooperation with Indonesia by bringing PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) into the global supply chain of the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet program.
The proposal highlights the growing strategic partnership between the two aerospace companies and reflects KAI’s broader ambitions to strengthen industrial collaboration across the defense sector.
KAI Eyes Expanded Defense Cooperation with Indonesia
Speaking during the “Indonesian Next-Generation Journalist Network” program in Sacheon, South Korea, KAI representatives emphasized the importance of Indonesia as a long-term partner in several aviation and defense projects.
Park Seonghee, Team Leader of International Business Development for Asia at KAI, stated that the company hopes PT DI will evolve into a key supplier within the KF-21 ecosystem while playing a larger role in KAI’s international production network.
According to Park, both companies have already established a strategic cooperation framework covering multiple defense programs, including the KF-21 next-generation fighter aircraft, the KT-1B basic trainer aircraft, and various helicopter and rotary-wing projects.
Strong International Interest in KF-21 Boramae Fighter Jet
The KF-21 Boramae program has attracted growing attention from international defense customers since the aircraft entered the testing and development phase.
Park noted that several countries have expressed interest in the fighter jet and have begun preliminary discussions regarding potential acquisitions. One of the six prototype aircraft developed under the bilateral cooperation agreement is scheduled to be delivered to Indonesia.
The KF-21 is considered one of South Korea’s most ambitious defense projects, designed to strengthen the country’s indigenous aerospace capabilities while targeting future export opportunities.
Potential Relocation of KT-1 Aircraft Production to Indonesia
In addition to the fighter jet program, KAI is evaluating the possibility of transferring KT-1 trainer aircraft production activities to Indonesia.
Such a move would allow Indonesian manufacturing facilities to participate more actively in future export programs while increasing domestic aerospace production capacity. The initiative could also create additional opportunities for technology development and industrial growth within Indonesia’s aviation sector.
PT Dirgantara Indonesia Takes Major Role in KT-1B Upgrade Program
Jo Junhyun, Director of International Business Development for Asia at KAI, highlighted PT DI’s contribution to the ongoing KT-1B structural enhancement program.
According to Jo, much of the modification and strengthening work has already been completed by PT DI, demonstrating the Indonesian aerospace company’s technical capabilities and experience in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance.
KAI Hopes Indonesia Will Procure Additional KF-21 Aircraft
Looking ahead, KAI hopes the Indonesian government will move forward with the procurement of 48 KF-21 fighter jets as part of future defense modernization plans.
While current discussions remain focused on existing cooperation commitments, Jo explained that conversations have expanded to include potential follow-on aircraft orders and broader defense-industrial collaboration.
He reaffirmed KAI’s commitment to strengthening long-term cooperation with Indonesia and exploring new opportunities for joint development and production.
Background of the Indonesia-South Korea Fighter Jet Partnership
South Korea launched the KF-21 fighter development program in 2015 with the goal of producing a domestically designed supersonic combat aircraft. Indonesia joined the initiative as a development partner under a cost-sharing arrangement that included access to technology transfer, prototype aircraft, and industrial cooperation opportunities.
Under the original agreement, Indonesia committed to funding approximately 20 percent of total development costs. However, Jakarta later proposed reducing its contribution to around six percent while accepting a corresponding reduction in transferred technology.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is expected to determine the timeline for transferring prototype aircraft and related technical documentation once Indonesia completes its agreed financial contribution of 600 billion won, equivalent to approximately Rp6.8 trillion.
Export Prospects Continue to Grow
Beyond bilateral cooperation, the KF-21 program is increasingly being positioned as an export platform for South Korea’s defense industry.
Reports indicate that discussions have been underway regarding a potential agreement for Indonesia to acquire 16 KF-21 fighter jets, which would represent the aircraft’s first international export order and a significant milestone for South Korea’s aerospace sector.
As development progresses and international interest increases, the KF-21 program is expected to play an important role in strengthening defense cooperation between South Korea and Indonesia while supporting the growth of both countries’ aerospace industries.