South Korea to Transfer KF-21 Fighter Jet Prototype to Indonesia

South Korea and Indonesia have reached a preliminary agreement to transfer one of the six KF-21 fighter jet prototypes.

The move is part of their joint aircraft development program, which is expected to be completed in June this year, according to The Korea Times.

Indonesia will receive a single-seat version of the jet that has previously been used for aerial refueling and other flight tests. The transfer, including technical documentation, is valued at approximately $398 million.

South Korea launched its indigenous fighter jet development project in 2015, with Indonesia joining as a partner. Under the original terms, Jakarta was to receive technology and a prototype in exchange for partially funding the program.

Recently, the two sides revised the financial terms of their cooperation at Indonesia’s request. Jakarta proposed reducing its contribution, which led to a corresponding reduction in the amount of technology South Korea will transfer to its partner.

The Defense Acquisition Administration will determine the exact schedule for transferring the aircraft and related documentation once Indonesia has fully paid its $440 million contribution.

Meanwhile, Seoul is negotiating the sale of an additional 16 KF-21 fighter jets to Indonesia. If the contract is signed, it will mark the first export sale of this type of South Korean aircraft abroad.