Jakarta has reiterated its commitment as a partner in South Korea’s KFX indigenous fighter programme.
The Indonesian defence ministry released a statement on the programme following a visit to Indonesia by representatives of Seoul’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
"To overcome the problems that arise in the implementation of cooperation in KFX / IFX, it is necessary that the programme receive supervision from both countries. The Government of Indonesia has provided direction to PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) to implement the programme well ", says Lt Gen Prabowo Ediwan.
It adds that that DAPA is working with Korea Aerospace Industries - which was recently awarded preferred bidding status to develop and build the fighter - to ascertain the role of PTDI in the programme.
The KFX is envisaged as a two-engined fighter that is more advanced than the Lockheed Martin F-16, but not up to the standard of types such as the F-35 Lightning II. It will replace obsolescent types in the Korean air force’s inventory, namely the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom and Northrop F-5.
The Indonesian government has a 20% share in the KRW8.5 trillion ($8.3 billion) programme. Seoul is expected to order 120 examples of the KFX, and Indonesia 80.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
