[Exclusive] Korea's KF-21 Fighter Jet Secures First Export: 16 Units to Indonesia

Indonesian President to Sign Contract Agreement in Sacheon on April 1

A Major Achievement 11 Years After the KF-21 Development Began

The Korean fighter jet KF-21 will be exported for the first time. It has been 11 years since development began in 2015, and Indonesia will be the first export destination.

The KF-21 fighter jet exhibited at the 'Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX)' held at Seoul Airport in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province in 2023. Photo by Jinhyung Kang

On March 19, a government official stated, "On April 1, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will make a state visit to Korea and visit Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to sign an export agreement for the KF-21." The official added, "After finalizing the contract amount, both countries plan to conclude an implementation contract within the first half of the year." Indonesia had initially planned to procure 48 KF-21 fighter jets, but due to budget constraints, it now intends to introduce 16 KF-21 fighter jets first.

The Korean government and Indonesia are currently finalizing negotiations on technology transfer, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), among other issues. Both countries aim to sign the contract within the first half of the year. The Indonesian side is reportedly considering holding the implementation contract signing ceremony locally.

Starting with the export to Indonesia, KAI is also looking forward to expanding exports not only to Southeast Asia but also to the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As Saudi Arabia and the UAE are working to modernize their air forces, there is a consistent demand for next-generation fighter jets. The KF-21 is considered to have a competitive edge in terms of price compared to American and European models, as well as flexibility in technology transfer, making it favorable for additional orders.

A government official stated, "On March 25, when the first mass-produced KF-21 for our Air Force is rolled out, all of our Air Force's aging fighter jets are expected to be replaced. With the mass production of domestic fighter jets, we also expect to achieve significant export milestones for the KF-21."

Meanwhile, South Korea's defense industry exports are expected to expand further in line with changes in the international security environment. Poland also signed a comprehensive defense export contract with the Korean government in 2022, valued at USD 44.2 billion (approximately KRW 63 trillion). Since then, the first implementation contract, worth USD 12.32 billion (covering 180 K2 tanks, 212 K9 self-propelled howitzers, and 48 FA-50 light attack aircraft), has been proceeding in stages.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.