“Two aircraft are scheduled to arrive in November, with more to follow,” said Air Force spokesperson Air Commodore I Nyoman Suadnyana in a statement.
The delivery is part of a procurement deal for six T-50i Golden Eagle jets, aimed at strengthening the Indonesian Air Force’s air defense and pilot training capabilities.
Developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the T-50i will serve as lead-in fighter trainers.
Indonesia already operates earlier models of the aircraft at the 15th Air Squadron, based at Iswahjudi Air Base in Central Java.
Nyoman declined to specify where the new jets will be deployed.
On September 29, Deputy Air Force Chief of Staff Air Marshal Tedi Rizalihadi visited KAI’s facility in Sacheon, South Korea, to inspect the six aircraft under production.
He was received by KAI Senior Executive Vice President Jae-Byoung Cha, who briefed the delegation on the manufacturing process and aircraft maintenance systems, Nyoman said.
Indonesia has also ordered French-made Rafale jets to bolster its fleet. The first three Rafales are expected to arrive between February and March 2026, according to Air Force Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono.
Tonny has inspected infrastructure upgrades at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Riau, to support Rafale operations.
His visit on September 22 aimed to ensure that all supporting facilities for the French-made 4.5-generation jets are progressing on schedule and will meet operational standards, the Air Force said in a statement.
Tonny also confirmed in May that the Air Force is considering the purchase of China’s J-10C fighter jets, though the decision remains under review.
“All weapons system acquisitions must go through several stages and be approved by the Defense Equipment Selection Council,” he said.
“We consider compatibility, strategic needs, and international relations,” he added.
Indonesia, a non-aligned nation, maintains defense partnerships with multiple countries. Final decisions on major military purchases rest with the Ministry of Defense, Tonny said.
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Translator: Walda M, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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