S Korean-Indonesian Fighter Jet Project Design to be completed by Mid-2019

The design of the Korean Fighter Xperiment/Indonesia Fighter Xperiment (KFX/IFX) under cooperation of Indonesia and South Korea will be completed by mid-2019 and currently work on the project has reached 20 percent.

"Until now the development process has been reaching 20 percent. There are three stages we need to pass, namely technology development, EMD (engineering and manufacturing development), and prototyping," Director of Technology and Development of PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) Air Marshal Gita Amperiawan said at a press conference here on Thursday, as reported by Antara news.

The preliminary design review phase has completed to ensure the configuration of the KFX/IFX fighter aircraft has met the operational requirements of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) and the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).

"We have passed the technology development phase and EMP. The details of the design are expected to complete around July or August 2019, and we will begin prototyping, testing and certification processes." He further said, after the preliminary design was completed, the two countries will develop the prototype of the fighter. This fighter aircraft is expected to be mass produced in 2026 after passing flight tests and certifications.

Gita added that the Indonesian and South Korean governments accommodate common requirements that the prototyping should accommodate the interests of the Indonesian Air Force. There will be 168 units of aircraft to be produced. South Korea will receive 120 aircraft while Indonesia will get 48 units.

"We contribute 20 percent (of the total cost) in each phase according to the agreement," he said.

The KFX/IFX fighter is a generation 4.5 of semi-stealth multi-role aircraft developed by Indonesia and South Korea. This fighter aircraft is designed to replace ROFKA and Indonesian Air Force`s fighter jets.

Some of the advantages of KFX / IFX fighter include semi-stealth, and have semi conformal missile launchers, advanced avionics and air refueling.

In a memorandum of understanding signed by the two countries, Indonesia covers 20 percent the total cost of the fighter development program, while South Korea bears 80 percent of it.