Indonesia’s KAAN debate highlights export-control trade-offs
Indonesia’s KAAN debate reflects ITAR concerns, shaped by phased delivery timelines, engine dependency and Jakarta’s broader fighter diversification strategy.
KF-21 Boramae News
Air
Engine and Transmission
Sensors
Hanwha rolls out first Mass-Produced KF-21 AESA Radar
Hanwha rolls out first mass-produced indigenous AESA radar to be delivered from 2025 to 2028 for KF-21 fighter. Development of the radar began in 2016.
Air
ROK and UAE cement ties with KF-21 friendship flight
The Republic of Korea and the UAE showed that their defence connections were getting stronger by having key officials fly together in FA-50 and KF-21 planes.
Air
Korea has a new potential customer for KF-21 Boramae: Poland
Poland received 48 F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" light combat aircraft from KAI in 2022. Now, it wants to buy the KF-21 Boramae, which has F414-GE-400K engines.
Air
Engine and Transmission
DAPA Signs Deal with Hanwha on F414 Engines for KF-21 FRP
DAPA has signed a deal with Hanwha Aerospace for the acquisition of locally assembled F414-GE-400K engines for 40 KF-21 fighters’ full-rate production.
Air
Weapon / Missile
KALCM Cruise Missile Separates from FA-50 LCA in Test
Following captive flight tests onboard the FA-50 LCA, ROK’s KALCM air-launched cruise missile separated and landed on the target point successfully.
Air
Expo and Air Show
TUSAŞ’s KAAN Fighter Uses Martin Baker T18T Ejection Seat
During Paris Airshow 2025, Martin Baker displayed its MK18 ejection seat for various platforms, including TUSAŞ’s KAAN fighter and Hürjet advanced trainer.
Air
Expo and Air Show
Indonesia Secures 48 KF 21 Jets in Revised Deal with Seoul
Indonesia and ROK have signed a new agreement reducing Jakarta’s financial burden while preserving its role in KF 21 fighter production and procurement.
Air
Expo and Air Show
Türkiye Joins Fighter Jet Exporters “Club” with KAAN Deal
In a landmark defence deal, Türkiye will export 48 KAAN fighter jets to Indonesia. Turkish President Erdoğan confirmed the agreement via social media.
Air
Expo and Air Show
Türkiye Eyes Kaan Deal with Indonesia at Indo Defence 2025
Indonesia and Türkiye are expected to sign an agreement involving the Kaan during the Indo Defence 2025 exhibition. The deal’s content remains undisclosed.
Air
Bilateral Relations
Engine and Transmission
Trump Announces the Development of F-55, a Twin-Engine F-35
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the development of a twin-engine derivative of the F-35 JSF, titled F-55, during his speech in Qatar’s capital, Doha.
Unmanned Systems
Minister of ROK’s DAPA Visits Baykar’s Head Facility
ROK’s Defence Acquisition and Programme Administration (DAPA) Minister, H.E. Seok Jong-gun, visited Baykar’s Özdemir Bayraktar National Technology Centre.
Air
UAE and ROK Ink Strategic Deal on KF-21 Fighter Jet
Focussed on the KF-21 fighter plane, the Republic of Korea and the UAE have inked a strategic cooperation pact allowing future cooperation and joint exercises.
Air
Weapon / Missile
ROK to Cooperate with UAE for KF-21 and Cheongung-II
The Korea Times says the Republic of Korea and UAE are strengthening defence links with an eye on the Cheongung-II missile systems and KF-21 Boramae fighter.
Air
KAI Makes KF-21 Boramae Fighter Offer to Saudi Arabia
A photo from a presentation made by KAI officials for Saudi Arabia about the KF-21 fighter jet was posted on social media, only to be removed shortly after.
Weapon / Missile
MBDA Prepares to Deliver Meteor BVRAAM for KF-21
MBDA announced that the manufacturing phase of Meteor BVRAAM for ROK’s KF-21 Boramae fighters has started.
