{"id":2202509,"date":"2023-10-17T19:37:19","date_gmt":"2023-10-17T10:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202509"},"modified":"2023-10-18T17:05:28","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T08:05:28","slug":"why-halting-kf-21-collaboration-with-jakarta-could-cost-seoul-more-than-money","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/10\/why-halting-kf-21-collaboration-with-jakarta-could-cost-seoul-more-than-money\/","title":{"rendered":"Why halting KF-21 collaboration with Jakarta could cost Seoul more than money"},"content":{"rendered":"
Defense cooperation between South Korea and Indonesia faces potential disruption following a recent statement from Seoul\u2019s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The announcement, <\/span>hinting<\/span><\/a> at the possible termination of Indonesia\u2019s role in the <\/span>KF-21 Boramae<\/span><\/a> fighter jet project by the end of October due to financial and technological disagreements, raises significant concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n The primary risk lies in the sudden financial strain for South Korea, potentially requiring the country to absorb unforeseen costs originally meant to be shared.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A secondary risk that cannot be understated is the potential diplomatic fallout with one of the largest countries in the Indo-Pacific, threatening to shift long-term strategic partnerships and regional political dynamics.<\/span><\/p>\n BORAMAE<\/b><\/p>\n The KF-21 Boramae is South Korea\u2019s project to develop an advanced multi-role fighter jet, representing a significant leap in the nation\u2019s aerospace and defense capabilities. Initiated with the dual objectives of replacing its aging fleet of <\/span>F-4s<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>F-5s<\/span><\/a> and making South Korea self-reliant in aerial defense technology, the KF-21 is designed to bridge the gap between fourth- and fifth-generation fighters.<\/span><\/p>\n The project underscores South Korea\u2019s goal to be a key player in the global aerospace sector, reducing dependency on <\/span>foreign imports<\/span><\/a> and potentially opening avenues for <\/span>exports<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>collaboration<\/span><\/a> with Indonesia materialized in <\/span>2010<\/span><\/a>, predicated on mutual benefits: South Korea would shoulder the lion\u2019s share of the development costs and, in return, gain access to Indonesia\u2019s considerable aerospace market, while Indonesia would receive technology transfers, a stake in the defense project and an uplift for its local industry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The agreement stipulated a 20% project cost coverage by Indonesia, approximately $1.3 billion, alongside active involvement in development and production.<\/span><\/p>\n