[ The Korea Times ] Korea, Indonesia reaches final agreement over KF-X project

By | November 12, 2021

Source: https://wwwa.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021/11/205_318635.html

The militaries of South Korea and Indonesia have reached a final agreement on the cost-sharing for their joint fighter development project called the KF-X (Korean Fighter eXperimental) here and the IF-X in Indonesia.

The Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced Thursday that it had reached an agreement with the Indonesian defense ministry on sharing the 8.8 trillion won ($7.4 billion) cost of development of the 4.5-generation fighter jet, the biggest project since the foundation of the Korean military.

The cost-sharing issue occurred as Indonesia, which promised to pay 20 percent of the total development budget, has paid only 227.2 billion won, citing financial problems. The two sides have held several rounds of talks to solve the overdue payment issue since 2019.

Prototype of the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet during an unveiling ceremony at the Korea Aerospace Industries in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, April 9, 2021. Photo: Korea Times

In the agreement, the two decided to retain the cost-sharing ration ― 20 percent for Indonesia ― and the timeframe for payment of 2016 to 2026. But Indonesia will provide in-kind payments for 30 percent of its share, the details of which will be discussed at a later date.

The KF-X project is comprised of two phases ― developing the basic fighter jet from 2016 to 2026, then adding advanced weapons systems from 2026 to 2028. After the roll-out of the prototype in April this year, ground testing is currently underway and test flights will be carried out next year.

Currently, 32 technicians from Indonesia are participating in the project at the development site in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, and the number is expected to increase to about 100 by the end of the year.

DPA Notes: Got surprised that the Indonesian involvement is still on given how tight the financial situation is for the Indonesians. This just shows how important this KF-X project is for the Indonesians going forward.

Looks like Indonesia see the KF-X project as of vital importance for their national security in the future.

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