TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Indonesia and South Korea are producing five 4.5 generation multi-mission fighting jet prototypes, KF-X/IF-X. One of the five prototypes will be given to Indonesia. “The other four are for South Korea,” said Brig. Gen. Agus Suyarso, the Defense Potential Directorate General’s Defense Industry technology director, in Jakarta yesterday.
Agus said the project was the continuation of the cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea. As much as 80% of the cost will be borne by South Korea and the rest will be funded by Indonesia. The total expense is US$5.05 billion. The program is projected to continue for the next decade.
Until 2020, around 250 airplanes are targeted for production. The revenue will be divided based on the percentage of the fund. “From 250 airplanes, 200 will be for Korea and 50 for Indonesia,” said Agus.
The cooperation is one way for Indonesia to develop its weaponry system. As such, Indonesia will be independent in its strategic defense system.
Malaysian Defense Minister Ahmad Zahidi Hamidi, said his country was ready to buy Indonesian products as long as they could be bartered with a product of the same value. “We need panzers to be sent to Lebanon,” he said.
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