Indonesia, S Korea to Produce KF-X/IF Jet Fighter: Minister

Surabaya, E Java (Antara) - Indonesia and South Korea will immediately commence the production of the 4.5-generation KF-X/IF-X jet fighter, which is forecast to have better maneuvering capabilities than F-16 Eagle and Sukhoi Su-27, stated Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro. "We had conducted the Technology Development Phase (TDP) that comprises the transfer of technology and prototype designing process. Currently, we are entering the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase," Purnomo stated here on Monday. During the signing ceremony of the EMD Phase, the minister noted that six aircraft prototypes have been produced during the TDP process, one of which will be handed over to Indonesia to be manufactured in the country. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Korean Ambassador to Indonesia Cho Tae-young. "We want to cooperate with South Korea because they are willing to carry out the transfer of technology to Indonesia for the KF-X/IF-X project that is believed to be at par with the F-22 Raptor," the minister emphasized. He remarked that despite the advanced nation having developed the F-35 Lightning jet fighter, but the country is not ready to transfer its technology to Indonesia. Purnomo emphasized that the KF-X/IF-X has the capability to guard Indonesia's airspace. "The KF-X/IF-X jet fighter is sufficient to guard the sovereignty and territory of Indonesia. The most important thing is that we can independently produce the main defense system equipment," the minister noted. (*)