Indonesia finalizes KF-21 payment as Malaysia, UAE and Philippines study the jet

South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae fighter program has reached a turning point. Indonesia, the aircraft’s only co-development partner, has confirmed it is walking away from local production in favor of buying the jet directly from Seoul, closing out a decade-long industrial partnership even as Korea works to turn the KF-21 into its first fighter jet export success.

KF-21 Boramae Prototype 006
ROK Ministry of National Defense's public work is used according to Korea Open Government License (KOGL) (KOGL Type 1 or KOGL Type 1), via Wikimedia Commons
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GA-ASI and Saab complete first flight of unmanned Airborne Early Warning system

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Saab have completed the first flight of what the two companies describe as the world’s first unmanned Airborne Early Warning solution, marking a significant step in efforts to bring persistent AEW surveillance to regions and missions where manned platforms are unavailable or impractical.


Photo: GA-ASI
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Indonesia takes delivery of two T-50i jets as Italy’s M-346 waits in the wings

Indonesia’s Air Force took delivery of two South Korean-made T-50i trainer jets, according to a report by ANTARA News in February. The aircraft, part of a six-aircraft purchase from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), were sent to Iswahjudi Air Base in Madiun, East Java. The delivery was subsequently confirmed by South Korean logistics firm CJ Logistics in a press release, which shed light on the complex operation behind the shipment.


Photo: CJ Logistics
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Embraer and Northrop Grumman formalize KC-390 Tanker Partnership, targeting U.S. Air Force and Allied markets

Embraer and Northrop Grumman announced on Feb. 19 that they are formally partnering to develop an advanced version of the KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft for the United States Air Force and allied nations, closing the loop on a years long campaign by the Brazilian airframer to establish itself as a serious player in the American defense market.


Image: Embraer
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F-15EX deliveries resume following resolution of Boeing Strike

The U.S. Air Force has resumed full production deliveries of F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets following the end of a 105-day strike at Boeing’s St. Louis facility, with the latest aircraft delivered to Portland Air National Guard Base in early December demonstrating a rapid recovery of the production line.

A 142nd Wing F-15EX Eagle II, tail 008, takes off from Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore. on July 12, 2024. The 142nd Wing welcomed its first F-15EX on June 5th and officially unveiled the aircraft to the public on July 12, 2024. The 142nd Wing is the first operational unit to field the novel aircraft. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Nichole Sanchez)

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