Defence Ministry: Purchase of KF-21 Boramae Jets from South Korea Still in Initial Discussion Stage

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence (Kemhan) has stated that plans to purchase KF-21 Boramae fighter jets from South Korea are still in the initial discussion stage.

“We wish to convey that the plans regarding the KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft are currently still in the initial discussion stage,” said the Head of the Defence Information Bureau of the Kemhan Secretariat General, Brigadier Rico Ricardo Sirait, to reporters on Friday (3/4/2026).

He explained that there has been no final decision on the quantity or procurement scheme.

The realisation of the procurement contract will heavily depend on the availability of the state budget and the results of a comprehensive study on the TNI’s operational needs.

“Currently, the budget requirements are still in the process of calculation and evaluation,” Rico stated.

“In its implementation, the government is utilising various financing schemes to accelerate the fulfilment of defence needs, while still considering the state’s fiscal capacity and national development priorities,” Rico added.

Rumours have circulated that South Korea will supply 16 units of the KF-21 Boramae aircraft.

On the other hand, President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to South Korea this week did not overlook defence issues in bilateral meetings, including the continuation of the KF-21 or IF-X fighter jet project.

“In the bilateral meeting, one of the issues raised was indeed related to IF-X, and the President stated that a team would be sent soon, both technical and engineering,” said Airlangga in his statement, as reported from the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube on Thursday (2/4/2026).

This fighter jet development cooperation has been ongoing since the era of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

The project continued during President Joko Widodo’s tenure up to the current administration.

Airlangga mentioned that several technical issues are still being discussed, including specifications.

The government is also opening options for new payment schemes.

“There are indeed technical issues related to specifications and others, but it is hoped that this will be resolved by sending a team there,” he continued.