KAI KF-21

[Sandhi Yudha]

"South Korea's Defense Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) said that the single-seat “KF-21 prototype no 5 will be transferred to Indonesia”
Sounds more like the 5th prototype will arrive in Indonesia in 100% CBU-condition. Zero local assembly and probably also 0% Indonesian content/components...

 

[Ananda]

Sounds more like the 5th prototype will arrive in Indonesia in 100% CBU-condition. Zero local assembly and probably also 0% Indonesian content/components..

Off course, but then again whose fault it is that not only neglected paying in times but also not preparing manufacturing and assembly facilities. All they have done just preparing one building and call it IFX manufacturing facility, but without actual assembly line and components manufacturing facility.

This is what some with too much nationalistic pride call DI facility for IFX. As I mentioned before, this administration not only neglected to pay the dues but also not preparing needed facilities. Let's see how they're going to play catching up from here.

Still if that 5th proto got delivered to DI facility it is still able to give DI learning curve to catch up. All this back to payment dues and investment on facilities needed to be done.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Off course, but then again whose fault it is that not only neglected paying in times but also not preparing manufacturing and assembly facilities. All they have done just preparing one building and call it IFX manufacturing facility, but without actual assembly line and components manufacturing facility.

This is what some with too much nationalistic pride call DI facility for IFX. As I mentioned before, this administration not only neglected to pay the dues but also not preparing needed facilities. Let's see how they're going to play catching up from here.

Still if that 5th proto got delivered to DI facility it is still able to give DI learning curve to catch up. All this back to payment dues and investment on facilities needed to be done.

Yes this was a great opportunity to be involved in the KF-X project, but this amazing current administration just completely messed it up. Also the N219 and Elang Hitam UAV programs are supported in an asal-asal way.

 

[Ananda]

(LEAD) Indonesia to provide S. Korea with new payment schedule for joint fighter project in June: DAPA chief | Yonhap News Agency

(ATTN: CORRECTS figure in para 7; RECASTS para 3)By Chae Yun-hwan SACHEON, South Korea, ...

m-en.yna.co.kr

Yonhap claim Indonesia will soon give new payment schedule that's seems already being adjusted toward latest agreement. Well will see about that, after all talk is cheap. Perhaps this is related to the plan first flight of the 5th proto that's supposedly goes to Indonesia? Who knows.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Indonesia to receive KF-21 prototype no 5 if payments completed

The South Korean government has confirmed that it will transfer a Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft prototype to Indonesia, provided...

www.janes.com

This #5 Prototype supposedly assemble in DI according to initial agreement. It is not ROK/KAI fault the Junior Partner neglect two things:
1. Pay the dues on time,
2. Build appropriate KF-21 assemble/production line in DI on time.

Regardless #5 prototype is allocate for DI/Junior Partner and will be given when the dues are paid. This supposedly be tested in DI facility, which is why two TNI-AU pilots already in KAI facility begin induction on the fighter.

5th proto supposedly giving DI familiarization on KF-21 manufacturing and assemble steps and also testing and handle on this fighter in DI and Indonesia facility. All this shown Senior partner still in line with agreement, only the Junior that's late in everything.

According to this tweet first flight of the 5th prototype is to be expected next week. I have the feeling that the first flight will be held in South-Korea. A test flight to prepare a ferry flight to Indonesia for a 'first flight' in Indonesia doesn't make sense.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1656552049956323328

How much of the 20% did the Indonesian government already paid btw?

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Today 16 May 2023 is a historical day for our airforce, it is the first time a TNI-AU test pilot flies in a KF-X.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1658424447286792192

It is unclear which prototype he flew in.

This seems to be a live streaming video.

 

[Ananda]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1658469606837878786

This Guy has enough connections with TNI-AU ranks, as being one of aerospace photographers for one thing. Thus this talk as 5th Proto being the Proto allocated to Indonesia as Junior Partner seems getting some unofficial acknowledging from Indonesian source.

This seems confirm Korean sources that further resume payment allocation toward this program seems reiterating Indonesian commitment. Will see how this turn out, but so far signs shown that direction.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Today 16 May 2023 is a historical day for our airforce, it is the first time a TNI-AU test pilot flies in a KF-X.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1658424447286792192

It is unclear which prototype he flew in.

This seems to be a live streaming video.

It seems to be the 4th prototype.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1658605378031214592

Six flying prototypes will be build in total.
- 1st: July 2022 (single seater)
- 2nd: November 2022 (single seater)
- 3rd: January 2023, achieving the aircraft's first supersonic flight during the month. (single seater)
- 4th: The first two-seat KF-21 prototype flew in February 2023
- 5th: yesterday (single seater)
- the sixth one will be a twin seater.

 

[Ananda]

Yes, if we see that TNI-AU tweet, before that there's another tweet talk about 5th proto will be given to Indonesia in 2026. This means after this development stages trials. This also means if by 2026 the facilities for IFX in DI is not ready then the 5th proto will be useless for DI. 5th proto should be the proto that going to be developed by DI for TNI-AU prefer config (IFX).

Not going to be usefull if they're not finishing Investment on DI IFX facilities.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Yes, if we see that TNI-AU tweet, before that there's another tweet talk about 5th proto will be given to Indonesia in 2026. This means after this development stages trials. This also means if by 2026 the facilities for IFX in DI is not ready then the 5th proto will be useless for DI. 5th proto should be the proto that going to be developed by DI for TNI-AU prefer config (IFX).

Not going to be usefull if they're not finishing Investment on DI IFX facilities.

In 2026 the development of the KF-X/KF-21 should be finished, so if only then the 5th prototype will be handed over to IPTN, it is actually the question how much Indonesia contributed to the development of the aircraft...

Or do you mean that it is the plan to do the development 100% in South-Korea, and then later Indonesia use the 5th prototype to "develop an own version".

 

[Ananda]

then later Indonesia use the 5th prototype to "develop an own version".

From my understanding on the beginning of this project, 5th proto should be assemble in DI facility and at same time DI use that proto as platform for their IFX adjustments.

This if we pay the dues on time, and build the facilities in DI. Since Indonesia overdue payment and facilities far from ready, then 5th proto build entirely in KAI. Best scenario now 5th proto then goes to DI at 2026 to familiarize DI on the systems.

I don't know at this moment Indonesia still willing to invest on their own IFX version. Most likely just take Korean version and license them altogether.

Add:
TNI-AU official line:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02zhEsJKNt8yZYsDhL5nj8Jn2KCTBPRNwX6CjN1CEWN9uvnDNfUyYMR4NHQ46Kw1BWl&id=100064529056448

 

[Ananda]

Last of KF-21 fighter jet prototypes conducts maiden trial flight

The sixth and final prototype of Korea's homegrown KF-21 Boramae fighter successfully performed its first flight Wednesday, the arms procurement agency said, marking the latest progress in the country's pursuit to develop an advanced warplane.

m.koreatimes.co.kr

6th KF-21 prototype and the 2nd dual seater prototype make the first flight. This is the final prototype for this KF-21 Blk 1, and with this the pre production chapter come on last stage.

Prabowo Pastikan Indonesia Penuhi Komitmen ke Korsel soal Proyek Jet Tempur KFX/IFX

Menhan Prabowo Subianto mengatakan Pemerintah Indonesia akan memenuhi semua komitmen-komitmen terhadap Korea Selatan (Korsel) terkait proyek pesawat tempur KFX/IFX.

voi.id

In meantime Prabowo keep telling the media commitments from current Indonesian administration to pay all the dues related to pre production and development stages. Still he also reiterate Indonesia still do some negotiations.

So Indonesia so far still committed on the project as Junior Partner. Still he also keep put usual this administration stance that negotiations still on going. He also put presentation from MinDef on commitment to put 24 Indonesian version call IF-21. Previous plan call for at least 48 of Indonesian version. So whether it is sign on Indonesian going to pay development costs part but not going to commit yet on total procurement, well still not definitive.

Either way, KF-21 program still shown on schedule track.

 

[Ananda]

<심층 칼럼> 마지막 시제기까지 비행 성공한 KF-21… 인공지능 스텔스기로 변신한다

[유용원의 군사세계] 순항 중인 한국형 전투기 개발첫 한국형 전투기 KF-21의 마지막 시제기(試製機)인 6호기가 28일 오후 첫 비행에 성공했......

bemil.chosun.com

Article on Bemil Chosen taking about KF-21 6th prototype flight, which despite the odds including Covid situation, still on track to finish RnD development by 2025 and begin initial production by 2026.

The article also talk about Poland Interest on joining KF-21 program. Understandable some Korean Journalist and Defense Forums enthusiasts even talk for Poland to replace Indonesia. Indonesia procurement of Rafale seems touching nerve in ROK, as they see Indonesia keep delaying payment, while at the same time willing to put billions Euros on Rafale. Even procure Mirage 2K at the amount which basically can cover the RnD overdues.

However seems they're forgetting that KFX actually being design for 1 Senior Partner (which is ROK) and 2 Junior Partners (which so far only Indonesia take one slot). The 20% share now hold by KAI actually being reserve for another Junior Partner, this if Poland want to join in, then basically they can take over that KAI slot. This can happen regardless on Indonesian payment and intentions.

[양낙규의 Defence Club]KF-21, 내년 예산 ‘첩첩산중’…생산 멀어지나

[양낙규의 Defence Club]KF-21, 내년 예산 ‘첩첩산중’…생산 멀어지나

military.asiae.co.kr

Another defense website in ROK also shown question on Indonesia real intention toward its obligation on the program. Still it is also talk about Indonesian intention per contract which will use the 5th proto as the benchmark on developing Indonesian slightly alter own version.

Something that even the tweeter guy as so call Indonesia defense insider acknowledged that the facilities for manufacturing and assembly Indonesian version of KF-21 (the so call IF-21) is far from ready. Something which I already put several times already in this thread.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1675289327214141440

Well it is not Euro OEM project, thus not part of his company commission. Thus he got nothing to lose to shown potential rival program still far from ready.

As usual in Indonesia this administration seems keen to pass the responsibility to next administration. Something that even Prabowo wins still not means real commitment on the program continues. Let alone if the winner the other potential two candidates else.

 

[Ananda]

Couple videos from KAI channel, that shown all 6 Prototypes (1st one) , and on preparation flight (2nd one). This mostly from KAI show case that so far everything on plan and within schedule.

 

[Ananda]

[단독]UAE "한국형 전투기 인니 투자분 우리가 내겠다"

아랍에미리트(UAE)가 한국형 전투기(KF-21)에 대한 직접적인 협력 의사를 담은 서한을 최근 우리 측 국가안보실에 발송한 것으로 확인됐다. 이는 올해 초 윤석열 대통령이 UAE 순방당시 군사분야 협력을 포함한 대

n.news.naver.com

This article become talk on Korean and Indonesian defense enthusiasts forums since yesterday. I don't know how the rumours is going to work, whether UAE will take over Indonesia position in KF-21 or Indonesia will still stay but going to sell some of its portion to UAE.

For one thing if the rumours is true, it is a way out that both ROK and Indonesia can hope for. ROK will got more dependable partners, and with continues lukewarm political support on this project from present administration in Jakarta, this is the way out that Indonesia also can hope for.

Perhaps this is the results of long lobbying that Prabowo done in UAE. Perhaps this is part of the defense deal with UAE. Still it is better way out for both ROK and Indonesia. Whether Indonesia still stay but with lower share or out, getting UAE on board in the program is good for marketability.

 

[Meriv90]

Thanks for the article, another point of view is that this puts in competition KF-21 with the French future plans since the options were exactly Indonesia,India and UAE

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr"> Verteidigungs-Magazin berichtet, dass sich darauf vorbereitet, und aus FCAS auszuschließen und stattdessen ggf. ein Programm mit , und verfolgen will. 1/2<a href="Vuelven las dudas sobre el programa de futuros aviones de combate FCAS">Vuelven las dudas sobre el programa de futuros aviones de combate FCAS</a></p>&mdash; Armchair General (@Leopard24theWin) <a href="

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1699441530434449689

">September 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Meriv90]

Défense : Airbus et la Corée du Sud veulent accélérer sur l'avion de combat de 6e génération ?

Airbus Defence and Space et la Corée du Sud jettent les bases de la création d'un centre de R&D notamment dédié aux technologies liées à un avion de combat de 6e génération, selon l'Agence Yonhap.

air--cosmos-com.translate.goog

German Airbus + Koreans.

This generation of fighters development is going to be interesting....

 

[ngatimozart]

Défense : Airbus et la Corée du Sud veulent accélérer sur l'avion de combat de 6e génération ?

Airbus Defence and Space et la Corée du Sud jettent les bases de la création d'un centre de R&D notamment dédié aux technologies liées à un avion de combat de 6e génération, selon l'Agence Yonhap.

air--cosmos-com.translate.goog

German Airbus + Koreans.

This generation of fighters development is going to be interesting....

TBH German Airbus and KAI is a far better combination than having the French involved.

 

[Ananda]

방사청, 'UAE와 KF-21 개발 협력' 보도에 "사실무근" | 연합뉴스

(서울=연합뉴스) 정아란 박수윤 기자 = 방위사업청은 18일 정부가 아랍에미리트(UAE)와 손잡고 국산 초음속 전투기 KF-21 개발을 마무리할...

m.yna.co.kr

Seems Indonesia is not the only potential drama in this project. However seems there's another K Drama on Korean side. Korean DAPA saying that media report on UAE going to come as potential partner and take over Indonesian portion is unfounded report.

Seems ROK try to maintain diplomatic balance. However potentially also this is still in delicate diplomatic stages. Still from Korean media and public perception it is very understandable. They will want to know what's Indonesia standing actually on the project. Indonesia keep talking can't pay the dues due cash flow and economic problems. However on the other hand also commit and already begin payment for more expensive project with French and potentially US.

So let's see how this I-Drama will interact with K-Drama with potential involvement taste of Gulf Offering.

 

[ngatimozart]

방사청, 'UAE와 KF-21 개발 협력' 보도에 "사실무근" | 연합뉴스

(서울=연합뉴스) 정아란 박수윤 기자 = 방위사업청은 18일 정부가 아랍에미리트(UAE)와 손잡고 국산 초음속 전투기 KF-21 개발을 마무리할...

m.yna.co.kr

Seems Indonesia is not the only potential drama in this project. However seems there's another K Drama on Korean side. Korean DAPA saying that media report on UAE going to come as potential partner and take over Indonesian portion is unfounded report.

Seems ROK try to maintain diplomatic balance. However potentially also this is still in delicate diplomatic stages. Still from Korean media and public perception it is very understandable. They will want to know what's Indonesia standing actually on the project. Indonesia keep talking can't pay the dues due cash flow and economic problems. However on the other hand also commit and already begin payment for more expensive project with French and potentially US.

So let's see how this I-Drama will interact with K-Drama with potential involvement taste of Gulf Offering.

Maybe a good screen play for a soap opera