The future of the KF-21 Boramae, a next-generation fighter jet under development by South Korea and Indonesia, hangs in the balance. Seok Jong-gun, chief of South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), has cast doubt on continued cooperation with Indonesia due to allegations of technology theft and financial difficulties.
Defense Acquisition Program Administration's public work is used according to Korea Open Government License (KOGL) (KOGL Type 1 or KOGL Type 1), via Wikimedia Commons
In an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo, Seok stated that DAPA would “reexamine whether to cooperate in joint development” if the accusations of Indonesian engineers stealing sensitive KF-21 technology prove true. In January, reports surfaced of a data leak involving a 3D design modeling program for the KF-21. The investigation into the alleged leak is currently being handled by South Korean law enforcement.
Financial woes further complicate the program. Indonesia initially pledged $1.16 billion towards the KF-21’s development but has since notified South Korea of its inability to meet that commitment. DAPA responded by reducing the scope of technology transfer offered to Indonesia and adjusting their expected financial contribution to $437 million.
Seok downplayed the financial impact on South Korea, using an analogy of shared travel expenses. He emphasized the importance of completing the KF-21 program by its 2026 deadline, highlighting the potential long-term benefits of Indonesian participation in the project.
However, trust appears to be a major hurdle. Seok warned, “We should not be stabbed in the back again, and we won’t be.” He indicated that DAPA will determine the level of technology transfer based on Indonesia’s future cooperation, including their record on outstanding payments.
The potential termination of Indonesian involvement raises questions about the future of the KF-21 program. While South Korea retains the right to complete development independently, the project’s initial goals likely included establishing a foothold in the Southeast Asian defense market with the Indonesia’s planned purchase of 48 KF-21 aircraft (designated IFX in Indonesia).
Only time will tell if the KF-21 program can overcome these significant challenges. The outcome hinges on the results of the technology leak investigation and Indonesia’s ability to regain South Korea’s trust through fulfilling its financial and technological cooperation commitments.
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