KFX/IFX News and Development

[NEKONEKO]

The subsystem such as IRST, targeting pod and many protruding bulge for EW will increase RCS. I think their priority is to make those subsystem work first and make it stealthy later, and no need to focus on the IWB which is more complex compared than standard external mounting on pylon, they can work on it later.

 

[NEKONEKO]

neutralize any challenge coming from China and Japan, not necessarily from North Korea, thus range becomes quite important.

Rather China and Japan, isn't North Korea is much a threat for them?
Nah they are quite interested with the single engine version, range is not really a must for them.

 

[Whizzack]

The subsystem such as IRST, targeting pod and many protruding bulge for EW will increase RCS. I think their priority is to make those subsystem work first and make it stealthy later, and no need to focus on the IWB which is more complex compared than standard external mounting on pylon, they can work on it later.

Yeah, I don't think they are focusing on IWB work for the block 1 version, even in the published development timeline we can see that there will be no IWB in block 1... However they would've included the space for IWB in the hull / airframe design, even for block 1, although it's probably just going to be empty space for now... otherwise they will have to redesign the hull again for block 2 (and later versions) to include the IWB...

So if in the interim they plan to install additional fuel tanks in the (still) empty IWB space in block 1, then I am all for it... Not sure how practical it would be but TNI AU can really use the additional range and endurance, while ROKAF would probably prefer the stealthier block 2 with IWB..

Also this might give prospective buyers additional options... get the Longer range / Less stealthy / Less complex / cheaper block 1 or the Shorter range / more stealthy / more complex / more expensive block 2.. or even a mix of the 2 models as required...

This is an older article from 2018, not sure if it still true today, but might give an idea of the development plan..
http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2018/05/key-points-of-kf-x-and-if-x-fighter.html

 

[Indos]

This new development is good for KFX/IFX program and the renegotiation that is still going on.

Indonesia to establish travel corridor for ‘essential business trips’ with South Korea

• Rizki Fachriansyah
  The Jakarta Post
  

Jakarta / Thu, August 13, 2020 / 05:05 pm

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi attends the Joint Commission Meeting with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters virtually on July 29. (Twitter/@Menlu_RI)


Indonesia and South Korea have agreed to establish a travel corridor to facilitate “essential business and diplomatic trips” between the two countries amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi said arrangements for the travel corridor had been finalized with South Korean Foreign Affairs Minister Kang Kyung-wha on Wednesday evening.

“I hereby announce that the essential business travel corridor arrangement with South Korea has been agreed upon and will be inaugurated on Aug. 17, coinciding with Indonesia’s 75th Independence Day,” Retno told an online press conference as quoted in a statement on Thursday.

The government finalized a similar agreement with the United Arab Emirates last month, allowing state officials and industry stakeholders from the two countries to go on essential trips between one another.

Retno said the agreement with South Korea had taken longer to finalize as both countries were keen on ensuring strict adherence to health protocols.

Read also: Indonesia finalizing 'travel corridor' with UAE

Per the agreement, only essential industry stakeholders and state officials may use the travel corridor.

“I would like to reiterate that the travel corridor with South Korea is intended for essential business people and members of the diplomatic community, not tourists,” she said.

The agreement, she said, was expected to grant leeway to state departments and businesses from both countries, allowing them to reconnect and resume projects that had been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic while still complying with health procedures.

https://www.thejakartapost.com/news...ssential-business-trips-with-south-korea.html

 

[Indos]

Rather China and Japan, isn't North Korea is much a threat for them?
Nah they are quite interested with the single engine version, range is not really a must for them.

Do you forget that last Korean war ? China is in North Korea side, so of course South Korea will consider China J 20 when they develop KFX/IFX together with Indonesia.

The decision to whether use single or double engine for KFX/IFX is not something small, double engine design will increase the cost and complicate the program further. This is why KAI prefer single KFX design. I dont think South Korean compromise it because of Indonesia which is only a junior partner on this project.

The twin engine C103 design that finally pick to be developed further is designed by ADD Korea and PT Dirgantara Indonesia. At that time, Indonesian also send Air Force personnel on the R&D program beside aerospace designers, so I would assume Korean also send their Air Force personnel on the R&D as well.

 

[Indos]

KFX/IFX first prototype according to Korean local defense journalist has been completed and will be unveiled tomorrow. Not sure about the validity, but I dont expect it would be unveil tomorrow., most probably some where within this month and it should be reported by news before it is going to be introduced into the public. But lets see

 

[Indos]

OK, it has been publicly unveiled but the prototype hasnt been completed yet. AlhamduliLLAH.

 

[Philip the Arab]

OK, it has been publicly unveiled but the prototype hasnt been completed yet.

View attachment 666229

Congrats my friend.

 

[Indos]

Congrats my friend.

Thank you bro. The assembly uses FASS technique (Fuselage Automated Splice System)

 

[Whizzack]

South Korea embarks on final assembly of KF-X prototype

Final assembly of the first Korea Aerospace Industries KF-X fighter has commenced in Sacheon, South Korea.

www.flightglobal.com

South Korea embarks on final assembly of KF-X prototype
By Greg Waldron3 September 2020

Final assembly of the first Korea Aerospace Industries KF-X fighter has commenced in Sacheon, South Korea.
The process will see the aircraft’s fuselage sections and wings joined, says South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

Source: Greg Waldron
KAI displayed a full-sized mock-up of the developmental KF-X at Seoul ADEX in October, 2019
A ceremony planned to mark the occasion was cancelled, however, owing to the coronavirus outbreak.

Despite the pandemic, South Korea has pressed ahead with KF-X work. In early August the production prototype of the aircraft’s indigenous active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which is produced by Hanwha Systems, was revealed.
In July, KAI revealed the first fuselage of the first KF-X, while in June GE Aviation delivered the first F414 engine for the twin-engined jet. GE will deliver 15 additional F414s to power the programmes six prototypes, of which one example will go to programme partner Indonesia.
Ultimately, Hanwha Aerospace will license produce the F414 locally.
The first prototype is due to be rolled out in April 2021, with test flights starting in 2022 and running to 2026. Mass production will commence in 2028, but the aircraft will have limited weapons capability.

Source: Greg Waldron
The new KF-X will replace South Korea’s fleet of McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantoms
Series production jets produced from 2029 onwards will be able to use the full range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
At least 120 examples are expected to replace the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) fleet of ageing McDonnell Douglas F-4D/E Phantom IIs and Northrop F-5E/F Tiger IIs. Indonesia appears likely obtain 48 examples of the IF-X variant, with an initial order of 16, and 32 to follow depending on finances.

 

[dr.knowhow]

KFX/IFX first prototype according to Korean local defense journalist has been completed and will be unveiled tomorrow. Not sure about the validity, but I dont expect it would be unveil tomorrow., most probably some where within this month and it should be reported by news before it is going to be introduced into the public. But lets see


View attachment 666029

That guy is not really known for his credibility or knowledge concerning military matters. There are quite some stupid claims he made in the past so guess you could note that when searching for anything related to the Korean military.

OK, it has been publicly unveiled but the prototype hasnt been completed yet. AlhamduliLLAH.

View attachment 666229

This is all following the plan laid a while ago. According to the plan, today is supposed to be the "beginning of the final assembly of the first prototype" and that is exactly what we've got. Completion of the aircraft is scheduled for the first half of next year and so far there ain't even a single day of delay so I think the schedule will be kept. Of course most of the delays occur once the aircraft starts its testing so it ain't over till it's over.

 

[Indos]

Other picture, from the side

 

[Whizzack]

South Korean Stealth KF-21 (KFX) Fighter Jet Will Fly In 2022

South Korea’s new KF-X (Korean Fighter eXperimental) multi-role stealth fighter has begun final assembly despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and will be rolled out in the first half of next year…

www.globaldefensecorp.com

 

[Indos]

Other picture, from the side

View attachment 666381

The picture is taken from this official KAI Korea website

KAI KOREA AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES, LTD.

KAI, Korea Aerospace Industries, Commercial Aircraft, Commercial Helicopter, Military Aircraft, Military Helicopter, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Defence and Space, Aircraft Company, Aerostructure, Satellite, Space Launch Vehicle, MRO, Training System, KFX, KF-X, T-50, FA-50, KT-1, KC-100, LAH, LCH...

m.koreaaero.com

 

[Indos]

@SgtGungHo @dr.knowhow

Youtube video channel talking about KFX/IFX program start getting popularity in Indonesia. I hope this can give more support on the program. I know Indonesian government make ridiculous demand on the renegotiation and doesnt pay the R&D cost for the last 2-3 years. I just still hope people to people relation between two nations dont get serious negative effect due to the program problem.

There is quite big R&D budget (big in Indonesian perspective since our R&D is very small) in our 2021 defense budget that IMO is intended for paying KFX/IFX R&D cost. We also can pay the cost using foreign loan and currently our minister of defense has given his proposal to our strategic development agency (Bappenas) to get 20 billion USD foreign loan for armed force acquisition in the period of 2020-2024, it lets to Bappenas to decide which foreign loan that can get approval.

As KFX/IFX program has relation with our defense industry so I guess it will have more chance to be supported financially than other programs which much less and even zero local industry participation, especially if the renegotiation can be successfully completed with Indonesia is still inside the program.

Talking about our submarine program, there is huge possibility it will still continue since the budget for making another submarine infrastructure has been included in 2021 state budget.

Here is our latest mainstream media talk about KFX/IFX project. It is made by CNBC Indonesia which is owned by the same person who owned CNN Indonesia which is Chaerul Tanjung. Pretty much he is in Jokowi camp with his daughter part of Jokowi young advisors. Despite so the media tone is quite neutral and I think it is good to bring more exposure about current state of KFX/IFX program to the wider public. By translating the title you can understand what is being talked there.

And if you see the comment section, you can see that majority comment support the program and ask government to continue paying the cost.