KFX/IFX News and Development

[Indos]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1280162730155139074

Nice, this picture is much clearer.......

 

[NEKONEKO]

KAI plans to roll out first KF-X prototype in April 2021

South Korean aerospace and defence company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has revealed that it plans to roll out the first prototype of its Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) multirole fighter aircraft in April 2021.

In the latest edition of its monthly Fly Together magazine the company released an image showing the prototype’s fuselage, which was assembled at KAI’s facilities in Sacheon. No further details were provided about the programme but Janes understands that the prototype is expected to conduct its first flight in 2022.

An image showing the fuselage of the first KF-X prototype at KAI’s assembly facility in Sacheon. The company has revealed that it plans to roll out the first protype aircraft in April 2021. (KAI)

The performance of the KF-X, which is on order for the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF), is expected to improve with each ‘Block’, with the development programme envisaging the production of six Block 0 prototypes, followed by four years of trials and the completion of development by mid-2026.

The first mass-produced KF-X aircraft, which will be part of Block 1, are expected between 2026 and 2028. They will be equipped with limited air-to-ground weapons in addition to air-to-air weapons.

On the other hand the Block 2 KF-Xs, which will be series-produced from 2029, will be capable of performing full air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions.

Meanwhile, officials from South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) told Janes on 6 July that the country’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD), in co-operation with Hanwha Systems, is expecting to complete development of an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the KF-X by mid-August.

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/...o-roll-out-first-kf-x-prototype-in-april-2021

 

[Indos]

@dr.knowhow

What do you think about F414 GE engine that will be produced by Hanwa under license. How many percentage that will become Korean local content according to you ?

 

[dr.knowhow]

@dr.knowhow

What do you think about F414 GE engine that will be produced by Hanwa under license. How many percentage that will become Korean local content according to you ?

Not my own thoughts but according to flighglobal and other Korean sources, first its gonna be around 30~40%, domestically prdocued LPT module and Fan section, then later on up to 50~60% including some components of HPT.

Some of those components will also be exported, so whenever someone buys F414 there will be few Korean HPT components in there.




Ah btw the photo of the middle section of the fuselage has been made public. The space for internal weapons bay is clearly visible. Just need additional development for the real IWB and the accomodation of BVRAAM, SRAAM, JDAM, KGGB and SDB.

Hope the block 3 follows up soon enough after block 2 is finished on 2028. ROKAF needs to replace KF-16 by the mid-late 2030s like I've said before, so it probably would commence soon enough.

Given that the fuselage already has spaces to accomodate weapons bay and various other sensors internally, plus we have been researching conformal antennas for IFF and EW suite quite a long time (currently both are protruded and only the coms antenna is confromal, supplied by Cobham), my guess is that the block 2 aircrafts would also be able to be upgraded to block 3 standard or something near block 3 during the mid-service upgrade which would probably happen around late 2030s.


I might be able to post the picture of the fuselage mid-section later on.

 

[Indos]

Not my own thoughts but according to flighglobal and other Korean sources, first its gonna be around 30~40%, domestically prdocued LPT module and Fan section, then later on up to 50~60% including some components of HPT.

Some of those components will also be exported, so whenever someone buys F414 there will be few Korean HPT components in there.




Ah btw the photo of the middle section of the fuselage has been made public. The space for internal weapons bay is clearly visible. Just need additional development for the real IWB and the accomodation of BVRAAM, SRAAM, JDAM, KGGB and SDB.

Hope the block 3 follows up soon enough after block 2 is finished on 2028. ROKAF needs to replace KF-16 by the mid-late 2030s like I've said before, so it probably would commence soon enough.

Given that the fuselage already has spaces to accomodate weapons bay and various other sensors internally, plus we have been researching conformal antennas for IFF and EW suite quite a long time (currently both are protruded and only the coms antenna is confromal, supplied by Cobham), my guess is that the block 2 aircrafts would also be able to be upgraded to block 3 standard or something near block 3 during the mid-service upgrade which would probably happen around late 2030s.


I might be able to post the picture of the fuselage mid-section later on.

Thanks for the explanation. Yup, I hope you can post the picture in here as well. According to Jane Defense, the research and development of Block 2 will be started in 2021. They got the information from KAI official, most probably ADD Korea (I forgot).

The picture of KFX/IFX fuselage construction has been circulated in Indonesian publication, including Youtube channel. I hope KAI keep delivering the prototype photos update. Quite good effort to raise Indonesian public support on the program that later will hopefully affect Indonesian government decision on the program.

 

[Indos]

16 July 2020

KF-X project on track but concerns grow about Indonesian involvement
by Jon Grevatt

Technicians from Indonesian aerospace firm PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) will soon be rejoining counterparts from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to undertake work on developing the Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) multirole fighter aircraft, Janes has learnt.

PTDI technicians on the KF-X project – known as KF-X/IF-X in Indonesia – returned to Indonesia from South Korea in March when the Covid-19 epidemic was at its peak in the Northeast Asian country. An industry source has confirmed to Janes that these technicians are now “currently preparing to redeploy”.

An artist’s impression of the KF-X fighter aircraft. The first KF-X prototype is scheduled to be rolled out in April 2021. (DAPA)

Janes understands that at the end of 2019 the total number of PTDI technicians on the KF-X project in South Korea was about 100, with their work mainly focused on aircraft design and manufacturing processes. Their redeployment will be framed against requirements for social distancing and other Covid-19-related guidelines.

The move to re-engage PTDI technicians on the project comes against a background of progress on the development of KF-X prototypes but also continuing delays in efforts to reach a compromise on the scope of Indonesian financial participation in the programme. Another factor that could have an impact on Indonesia’s involvement are some concerns in Jakarta about the strategic value of its involvement.

KAI has confirmed that assembly of the first KF-X prototype is scheduled to be finalised in the second half of 2020, with a view to rolling out the aircraft in April 2021. The schedules confirm that the KF-X programme has not been affected by Covid-19 and is on track to start mass production in the mid-2020s.

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/...ut-concerns-grow-about-indonesian-involvement

 

[SgtGungHo]

16 July 2020

KF-X project on track but concerns grow about Indonesian involvement
by Jon Grevatt

Technicians from Indonesian aerospace firm PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) will soon be rejoining counterparts from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to undertake work on developing the Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) multirole fighter aircraft, Janes has learnt.

PTDI technicians on the KF-X project – known as KF-X/IF-X in Indonesia – returned to Indonesia from South Korea in March when the Covid-19 epidemic was at its peak in the Northeast Asian country. An industry source has confirmed to Janes that these technicians are now “currently preparing to redeploy”.

An artist’s impression of the KF-X fighter aircraft. The first KF-X prototype is scheduled to be rolled out in April 2021. (DAPA)

Janes understands that at the end of 2019 the total number of PTDI technicians on the KF-X project in South Korea was about 100, with their work mainly focused on aircraft design and manufacturing processes. Their redeployment will be framed against requirements for social distancing and other Covid-19-related guidelines.

The move to re-engage PTDI technicians on the project comes against a background of progress on the development of KF-X prototypes but also continuing delays in efforts to reach a compromise on the scope of Indonesian financial participation in the programme. Another factor that could have an impact on Indonesia’s involvement are some concerns in Jakarta about the strategic value of its involvement.

KAI has confirmed that assembly of the first KF-X prototype is scheduled to be finalised in the second half of 2020, with a view to rolling out the aircraft in April 2021. The schedules confirm that the KF-X programme has not been affected by Covid-19 and is on track to start mass production in the mid-2020s.

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/...ut-concerns-grow-about-indonesian-involvement

This shouldn't be called a compromise. Indonesia is basically asking additional concessions from Korea with nothing in return when Jakarta has not even decided whether it is worth to persue the development. Korea has already proved that she can just advance the program without Indonesia's input. Parts of the 6th prototype for Indonesia will be ready by the next year. I doubt that Indoneisa is paying the money as the country is burdened with too many projects at the moment. With this and Jakarta of considering to cancel submarine orders from Republic of Korea will sour the relationship between Indonesia and Korea.

 

[Indos]

This shouldn't be called a compromise. Indonesia is basically asking additional concessions from Korea with nothing in return when Jakarta has not even decided whether it is worth to persue the development. Korea has already proved that she can just advance the program without Indonesia's input. Parts of the 6th prototype for Indonesia will be ready by the next year. I doubt that Indoneisa is paying the money as the country is burdened with too many projects at the moment. With this and Jakarta of considering to cancel submarine orders from Republic of Korea will sour the relationship between Indonesia and Korea.

Around 100 Indonesian engineers left KAI in March due to Covid 19 issue and will get back to KAI soon according to official cited by Jane Defense. So there are only about 4 months without Indonesian participation (and critical design has been completed before the departure) although I believe Korea can manufacture and develop KFX alone if Indonesia stop their involvement in the project.

Talking about the money. We still have big defense budget around 9 billion dollar a year. Next year budget which is actually a bit bigger than this year has already got a support from our Finance Ministry where she also stress the importance of R&D budget inside our Defense budget.

I dont think there will be any problem relating to our financial contribution if we see Indonesia defense budget, inshaAllah. I am just worried about Jokowi political will in the program. Maybe there is some strong person behind lack of Jokowi ambition on the program. Person like Luhut Panjaitan (minister) and Moeldoko (Head of Presidential staff) might be the people that can be blamed for that, as those persons are very influential regarding to Jokowi personal opinion in many matters.

There is hint that Indonesia will pay its financial contribution again in KFX/IFX program as our new Defense Minister said joint development program is among the priority program that will be supported by 2020 defense budget.

There is also hint from latest twit of our defense minister, Prabowo, that R&D will be one of the program that he will prioritize.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1282293160756998148

Google Translate.

The Ministry of Defense will continue to support efforts to increase domestic defense equipment production, as well as support research and development programs, so that later all domestic production can be fully independent.

 

[Indos]

@SgtGungHo

You need to understand that our parliament members dealing with defense matters are quite supportive with KFX/IFX program. Previous administration who started the program with Korea and they become the opponent of Jokowi administration during the last 2 elections. That coalition has better chance to win the next election in 2024 as Jokowi final term finishes, latest pool suggest.

 

[dr.knowhow]

KAI released the video of the manufacturing process of the first prototype.

Skip to 0:12 for the actual footage.

That thing labelled FASS featured from 0:12 to 0:15 is the laser guided assembly demonstrator. FSAS is the name of the technique
0:16 to 0:18 is front fuselage assembly.
0:19 to 0:24 is main wing and middle fuselage assembly.
Bulkhead shown in 0:25 is the rear fuselage bulkhead, shown for the first time.


PS. Guys please don't feed the troll and leave him be. They have their passion in spitting rubbish and gibberish and it's pointless to talk with them.

 

[Indos]

Talking about Indonesia financial capability in supporting KFX/IFX program.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24 June 2020
Covid-19: Indonesia signals potential major increase in defence spending
by Andrew MacDonald

Indonesia has proposed a strong increase in defence spending for 2021, with procurement identified as a priority. The country’s modernisation targets include the acquisition of the Harimau medium tank (pictured) developed by PT Pindad and FNSS. (FNSS)

Indonesia could be in line for a record-high expenditure of nearly IDR150 trillion (USD10.6 billion) for fiscal year 2021 if recently submitted budgetary proposals are approved by parliament later this year.

The proposed expenditure suggests the Southeast Asian country might be in a more robust position to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic than was previously thought.

Indonesia has proposed a strong increase in defence spending for 2021, with procurement identified as a priority. The country’s modernisation targets include the acquisition of the Harimau medium tank (pictured) developed by PT Pindad and FNSS. (FNSS)

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) said in a fiscal policy report recently presented to parliament that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has indicated a ceiling requirement of IDR129.3 trillion for 2021.

The MoD also said in information presented in a meeting with the House of Representative’s defence commission that additional funding of IDR19 trillion is required to support a range of initiatives including military procurement.

If approved, the proposals would provide the MoD with IDR148.3 trillion for 2021. This would represent an increase of IDR25.9 trillion – or 21% – over the revised allocation of IDR122.4 trillion for 2020. The original 2020 appropriation was IDR131.2 trillion but this was cut through a presidential regulation issued in April in response to the impact of Covid-19.

According to the MoF fiscal policy report, funding priorities for the MoD in 2021 include the procurement of munitions, armoured vehicles, and naval vessels, and the support and replacement of military aircraft. In addition, funding is required to complete “projects and activity” that were postponed due to budgetary restrictions imposed in the wake of Covid-19, it said.

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/...-potential-major-increase-in-defence-spending

 

[Indos]

As far as I know, Indonesia parliament supported KFX/IFX program, and it include parliament member from Jokowi party himself.

Google Translate

CNN Indonesia | Thursday, 23/07/2020

Parliament Asks Prabowo to Pay Off South Korean KFX Than Austrian Typhoon

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia -

Member of DPR NasDem Party Faction Muhammad Farhan joined the inauguration of the House of Representatives (DPR) for the 2019-2024 period in the Plenary Meeting Room, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Tuesday, October 1, 2019. DPR Commission I Member Muhammad Farhan Photo: CNN Indonesia / Adhi Wicaksono

House of Representatives Commission I member Muhammad Farhan suggested Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto pay off the KFX / IFX fighter cooperation project with South Korea instead of buying 15 used Eurofighter Typhoon fighter planes from Austria.

Farhan said the cooperation project with South Korea was indeed expensive. But it will have a positive impact on the development of Indonesia's defense industry in the long run.

"Although it is bitter that we must pay almost US $ 2 billion, but we can get the technology, the opportunity to develop its people," Farhan said when contacted by CNNIndonesia.com, Thursday (7/23).

See also: Commission I Call Prabowo Violated the Law If You Buy a Used Jet Typhoon

Quoted from Antara, since 2009 Indonesia and South Korea are exploring the development of KFX / IFX. The total investment value agreed by the two countries reached US $ 8 billion or Rp121.35 trillion.

The financing scheme is 60 percent borne by the South Korean State Budget, 20 percent by KAI companies from South Korea, and the remaining 20 percent from the Indonesian State Budget.

The development of KFX / IFX will be divided into three stages, namely the development of technology or concepts, the development of manufacturing engineering or prototypes, then the mass production process. The target, the first prototype can be completed in 2021.

Indonesia and South Korea are targeting the production of 168 KFX / IFX aircraft. Later 120 units will be owned by South Korea, while 48 other units will be owned by Indonesia.
See also: Prabowo's Plan to Buy 15 Austrian Typhoon Triggers Protests

Farhan said that Indonesia had paid US $ 250 million to start the project. He advised Prabowo to focus the budget on the project rather than buying used Austrian aircraft.

"Don't let it break (the contract). This is a difficult decision whose benefits we can feel in the next 5-10 years and can be the basis for us to map the road map towards the minimum essential force," he said.

Previously, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto reportedly would buy up 15 used Eurofighter Typhoon fighter planes from Australia. It was known from the letter numbered 60 / M / VII / 2020 and dated July 10, 2020 was given the subject of 'Proposal About Eurofughter Typhoon Aircraft'.

"In order to modernize the Indonesian Air Force (Indonesian Air Force), I want to hold formal negotiations with you to buy 15 Eurofighter for the Republic of Indonesia," Prabowo said as stated in the English-language letter quoted Wednesday (7/22).
(dhf / gil)

https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasion...o-lunasi-kfx-korsel-ketimbang-typhoon-austria

 

[Indos]

@The Eagle

Brother, can you please make this KFX/IFX thread as sticky since it is quite an importance project in Asia and is related with both Far East nations which are South Korea and Indonesia..............

 

[The Eagle]

@The Eagle

Brother, can you please make this KFX/IFX thread as sticky since it is quite an importance project in Asia and is related with both Far East nations which are South Korea and Indonesia..............

Done brother. It should be sticky.

 

[Indos]

Done brother. It should be sticky.

Thank You