Indonesian Aero News

[Ananda]

Korsel selesaikan pengiriman enam jet T-50i pesanan TNI AU

Perusahaan dirgantara dan pertahanan asal Korea Selatan, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) Ltd., telah menyelesaikan pengiriman tambahan enam jet latih canggih ...

m.antaranews.com

KAI completes delivery of 6 T-50i trainer jets to Indonesia | Yonhap News Agency

SEOUL, July 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korean defense firm Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) Ltd....

m-en.yna.co.kr

Yonhap news (then being used as source by multiple Indonesian media including Antara as example) quoted KAI source that claim all 6 latest batch of T-50i already being delivered. With this 22 T-50i already delivered to TNI-AU, but only 19 still available in inventory as 3 already crash.

Still TNI-AU continue have good confidance with T-50i (or TA-50 depends on source). As shown that they send T-50i to participate on Pitch Black exercise down under.

Indonesia sends T-50i jets to Australia's air exercise

Indonesia's Air Force has deployed five T-50i Golden Eagle fighter jets to a multinational air exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force in Darwin ...

en.antaranews.com

 

[swerve]

That's a high loss rate. What are the causes?

 

[koxinga]

They have never announced the findings.

Accident KAI T-50I Golden Eagle TT-5007, Sunday 20 December 2015

Crashed 15 minutes after a solo aerobatic display at an airshow. The accident happened during the second day of the air show, which is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Air Force ...

aviation-safety.net

Accident KAI T-50i Golden Eagle TT-5006, Monday 10 August 2020

An Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) KAI T-50i Golden Eagle, operated by SkU15

aviation-safety.net

Accident KAI T-50i Golden Eagle TT-5009, Tuesday 19 July 2022

The KAI T-50i Golden Eagle was destroyed subsequent to impact with terrain during a night tactical intercept training flight over the Blora sub regency in Central Java. The pilot alleged...

aviation-safety.net

 

[Ananda]

Whenever the attrition for LIFT fighters, I do tend to suspect more human factor involve compare to operational fighter attrition. TNI-AU attrition toward their LIFT is quite high throughout usage period. From 20 Hawk Mk53, 8 lost on various attrition accidents. That's why they add 8 Hawk 109 that also can be used as LIFT asside survailences.

The data on L-29 attrition is more scarves as it is operate from late 60's to early 80's. However from talking to TNI-AU pilot that I know years ago, it is also have several accidents. However the government at that time decide just not to add more L-29 as replacement, but simply replace them with Hawk Mk53.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Whenever the attrition for LIFT fighters, I do tend to suspect more human factor involve compare to operational fighter attrition. TNI-AU attrition toward their LIFT is quite high throughout usage period. From 20 Hawk Mk53, 8 lost on various attrition accidents. That's why they add 8 Hawk 109 that also can be used as LIFT asside survailences.

The data on L-29 attrition is more scarves as it is operate from late 60's to early 80's. However from talking to TNI-AU pilot that I know years ago, it is also have several accidents. However the government at that time decide just not to add more L-29 as replacement, but simply replace them with Hawk Mk53.

The KT-1, Mi-17 and C-130 are reliable and proven aircrafts, but for some reasons we manage to let them crash quite often.

On the other hand we only lost two F-16s (excluding the one second hand F-16C/D from the batch of 24) and zero Su-27/-30 in the last 4 decades.

 

[Ananda]

By calculation there are 8 C-130, 4 KT-1and 3 Mi-17 that are total loss. At least that's what the count that available from open data. C-130 and Mi-17 are heavy duty cargo assets, thus operational tempo are also higher than fighters.

So looking at that, it is not that bad attrition rate. C-130 and Mi-17 attrition also got a few that being caused by Armed conflict. From Konfrontasi with Malaysia and Commonweath forces in 60's and throughout several domestic insurgence, including present operation in Papua that cause at least 1 Mi-17 attrition. 8 C-130 from 40+ C-130 that has been delivered so far, seems quite high attrition rate, but again with 6 decades time span, it is not that bad attrition rate from time perspective.

However T-50i and KT-1B are trainers, and I do believe attrition with trainers will always been higher then operational fighters. Trainers from what I heard in TNI-AU also have longer sorties compare to Fighters. Moreover for TNI-AU, those pilots that being assigned to F-16, Flankers and now Rafales are those with relative long hours already from other assets. Level of experiences due matter.

 

[Ananda]

KF-21 수출 첫 국가는…인도네시아·UAE·필리핀·말레이시아[이현호의 방산!톡]

지난 2015년부터 무기체계 개발을 진행해 온 한국형 초음속 전투기 KF-21 ‘보라매’가 10년 6개월 만인 2026년 3월 25일 양산 1호기 출고식 행사를 했다. 7월 말에는 한국항공우주산업(KAI)이 방위사업청 등 주요 관계자들이 참석한 가운데 한국과 인도네시아 국제공동개발사업인 ‘KF-21/IF-X 체계개발 종결 기념행사’를 진행할 계획이다. KF

m-sedaily-com.cdn.ampproject.org

Indonesia, the development partner for the KF-21, is the top priority potential customer. Initially, the plan was to bear about 20% of the total development costs and acquire up to 48 fighter jets, but the contract was modified by reducing the contribution to 600 billion won and narrowing the scope of technology transfer, and negotiations for the export of completed aircraft are currently underway.The estimated volume is 16 units, and the contract value is approximately 3 trillion won.

This Korean Media claim that Indonesia order of 16 KF-21 will be valued for KRW 3 Trillion or USD 2 Billion. Many in Korea still expected total export will still be for 48 aircraft in batches. Well this is first mention on contract value.

 

[x100 XKR]

The TA-50, during delivery, the gunport is always covered. Does it ever get uncovered in operational use? Or - does the AF ever get the aircraft equipped w the 3-barrel Vulcan gun? I've seen pictures of the aircraft with AIM-9, bombs and I think Maverick, but did not recall seeing a real gunport.

 

[tonnyc]

The TA-50, during delivery, the gunport is always covered. Does it ever get uncovered in operational use? Or - does the AF ever get the aircraft equipped w the 3-barrel Vulcan gun? I've seen pictures of the aircraft with AIM-9, bombs and I think Maverick, but did not recall seeing a real gunport.

I believe the gun has not yet been ordered due to our penchant of buying things FFBNW. That said, guns are low enough expenses that I expect after a few years they will be ordered and installed.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

I believe the gun has not yet been ordered due to our penchant of buying things FFBNW. That said, guns are low enough expenses that I expect after a few years they will be ordered and installed.

In this forum there were claims/reports that TNI-AU's T-50i fleet were getting an upgrade to TA-50 standard, but indeed looking to all recent videos and news articles, none of the aircrafts are equipped with a cannon.

Including the six aircrafts from the additional batch.
Jakarta Confirms Arrival of Six New KAI T-50i Golden Eagles to Boost Training and Combat Power - Defence Security Asia

KAI completes T-50i delivery to Indonesia, strengthens Korea-Indonesia ties

 

[Ananda]

this forum there were claims/reports that TNI-AU's T-50i fleet were getting an upgrade to TA-50 standard,

According to KAI classification the difference between T-50 and TA-50 is radar instalment. TNI-AU T-50i use AN/APG 67 instead Elta radar in ROK TA-50. Officially it is being equiped by internal cannon Specifications of South Korea's T-50i Fighter Jets Purchased by Indonesia.
Note: There're conflicting reports on whether T-50i usinh AN/APG 67 or Elta radar. I tend to believe the former one.

believe the gun has not yet been ordered due to our penchant of buying things FFBNW.

Yes that's still the problem on procurement in TNI. Everything is equiped in batches. I said this is part of budget prioritising. More important is the availability of platform first. Armament and munition come latter. Something that still in mind of MinDef as seens in time goes by. As long it is already wired on. Plug and play batches approach.

 

[Ananda]

Indonesia Dumps South Korea's KF-21 Fighter Jet Programme — Dassault Rafale Set to Dominate Indo-Pacific Skies with 66-Jet Fleet - Defence Security Asia

I don't put high standard on this Malaysian base channel. However where in the annoucement of MinDef say decision not to build Final Assembly line, equal with the decision to dump KF-21 ??

• The decision for more Rafale is not final,
• The decision to buy KAI build KF-21 still in negotiation, also DI involvement for included as part of KF-21 supply chain
• KAAN is still longer way around compare to KF-21.

Honestly please read before making claim. Just reducing the seriousness of this blog channel.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

I believe the gun has not yet been ordered due to our penchant of buying things FFBNW. That said, guns are low enough expenses that I expect after a few years they will be ordered and installed.

Look what we have here....

I think the ones with the M197 cannon are at least T-5010 and T-5016. The T-5020 doesn't have one, from T-5018 it is unclear.

 

[ComradeVortex]

https://x.com/hashtag/LDO_PR

PT. E-Systems Solutions Indonesia today announced, at Farnborough the signing of a contract to provide the Indonesian MoD 12 Block 20 M-346F multirole light fighter aircraft includes the localisation of a range of support, maintenance, overhaul and training capabilities as well as human capital development.
Deliveries are expected to start in 2030

 

[Ananda]

LEONARDO, PT ESYSTEM SOLUTIONS AND THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA SIGN M-346 F AIRCRAFT PROCUREMENT CONTRACT TO MEET INDONESIAN AIR FORCE TRAINING AND COMBAT REQUIREMENTS

www.leonardo.com

Add from Leonardo official sites.

new M-346 F “Block 20” light fighter configuration standard will be equipped with cockpits featuring a Large Area Display (LAD), active electronically scanned radar, a Link 16 data-link, electronic countermeasures, and new weapons systems.

Not clear yet on new weapon system for this M-346F Blk 20 for Indonesia. Although another Euro Aero Magazine, claim it will have same capabilities as Austria M-346F FW-MAG Future Warfare Magazine - Farnborough, Indonesia signs for 12 Leonardo M-346F light attack fighters

As for AW-149:

LEONARDO, PT ESYSTEM SOLUTIONS AND THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA SIGN LETTER OF INTENT FOR AW149 HELICOPTERS TO MEET NAVAL ROTORCRAFT REQUIREMENTS

www.leonardo.com

If followed by a contract, this could lead to the supply of AW149 helicopters for search and rescue and disaster relief, for both land-based and embarked operations

In short M346F for TNI-AU already a contract as follow up on LoI in February this year. While AW149 for TNI-AL is still in LoI stage. Despite talk on local forums this AW149 will have ASW capabilities, so far from Leonardo site it is talking more for SAR and Disaster relief.

For me, it is talk on Helicopter for Naval GP purpose that can be put from larger combatan like PPA, FMP and off course ex Garibaldi. The current AS 565 Dauphin/Phanter and Bell 412 more for Light Frigate and Corvette size vessels.

 

[Ananda]

Indonesia confirms 12-unit order for M-346F light fighter

Deliveries of Italian-built jets in Block 20 standard will commence in 2030. Indonesia has ordered 12 Leonardo M-346F light fighter aircraft, firming a letter of intent signed in February. Deliveries are due to begin in 2030, with Jakarta taking the aircraft in the latest Block 20 standard. This...

www.flightglobal.com

Another detail, as flight global claim the Leonardo CEO said the contract deal worth close Euro 1 billion

Speaking during a Farnborough air show briefing, Leonardo chief executive Lorenzo Mariani said the deal is valued at close to €1 billion ($1.14 billion).

 

[x100 XKR]

Still dont get this purchase with TA50, unless I guess the drone wingman capability on TA50 is non-existent/dead end.

 

[ComradeVortex]

Although another Euro Aero Magazine, claim it will have same capabilities as Austria M-346F

Article says same configuration. Austrian M-346s are equipped with Israeli (Elbit) EW systems for self protection and jamming. I wonder if this is true? (That configuration is same). If not , is there a different system fitted on, or there is simply none?


Edit:

Going all the way back to the signing of the LoI 2 months ago, in an EDR article, PT ESS management stated "the company will also integrate its own Indonesian designed Self Protection Jammer, integrate and qualify the Diehl IRIS-T short range air-to-air missile, integrate an indigenous data-link for targeting and cueing distribution, as well as an indigenous light MK-V Delta cruise missile."


Cruise missile part is not true. It's from Belarus and we don't even manufacturing it. Integration, maybe. But it's not indigenous, at least local production would've been nice. I want to cry.

 

[Ananda]

What if this marketing lobby comming true ? MAKS 2019: Russia unveils new aerial tankers. Instead A330 MRTT they are going for IL-78MK-90A. Taking some from batch that being build for VKS. Well this is already circulating sometime in Indonesian Enthusiats forum. Rumours say big marketing lobby rivalry still happen between this vs Converting ex airliner A330-200. For later one Airbus already offer to include Garuda Aero for conversion work.

Dubai Airshow 2025 – E-System Solutions presents LCCM Mk2 low-cost cruise missile - EDR Magazine

Dubai Airshow : The Emirati-Belarusian company E-System Solutions presented its strike system based on the LCCM Mk2 low-cost cruise missile.

www.edrmagazine.eu

It's from Belarus and we don't even manufacturing it. Integration, maybe. But it's not indigenous, at least local production would've been nice. I want to cry.

PT. ESS Indonesia is part of this group. As UAE base company, they are already working with Belarus for some time. Well there's reasons why Lukashenko come to Jakarta recently. Perhaps they are going to build assembly facility in here.

Just like PT. Republikorp that claim building Roketsan missiles under their JV. Both companies build their network as parts of defence brokerage that branching out toward production/assembly supply chain networks.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

View attachment 55239

What if this marketing lobby comming true ? MAKS 2019: Russia unveils new aerial tankers. Instead A330 MRTT they are going for IL-78MK-90A. Taking some from batch that being build for VKS. Well this is already circulating sometime in Indonesian Enthusiats forum. Rumours say big marketing lobby rivalry still happen between this vs Converting ex airliner A330-200. For later one Airbus already offer to include Garuda Aero for conversion work.

I wouldn't spend too much attention to such fanboys and Alman Helvas level of lobbyists. Having two A400Ms in the fleet (and with an option of four more) and Garuda's A330-200s available, it doesn't make sense at all to suddenly switch over to Il-78s.

Dubai Airshow 2025 – E-System Solutions presents LCCM Mk2 low-cost cruise missile - EDR Magazine

Dubai Airshow : The Emirati-Belarusian company E-System Solutions presented its strike system based on the LCCM Mk2 low-cost cruise missile.

www.edrmagazine.eu

PT. ESS Indonesia is part of this group. As UAE base company, they are already working with Belarus for some time. Well there's reasons why Lukashenko come to Jakarta recently. Perhaps they are going to build assembly facility in here.

Just like PT. Republikorp that claim building Roketsan missiles under their JV. Both companies build their network as parts of defence brokerage that branching out toward production/assembly supply chain networks.

So, ComradeVortex was right, the Indonesian content in this so called indigenous cruisemissile is like an Esemka car, absolutely 0%!