Indonesia to Receive First Batch of T-50i Fighter Jets from South Korea in November
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia will receive its first batch of new T-50i Golden Eagle fighter jets from South Korea in November 2025, the Indonesian Air Force confirmed on Tuesday.
“Two aircraft are scheduled to arrive in November, with more to follow,” Air Force spokesperson Air Commodore I Nyoman Suadnyana said in a statement.
The delivery is part of a procurement deal for six T-50i jets, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), to strengthen Indonesia’s air defense and pilot training capabilities. The aircraft will serve as lead-in fighter trainers. Indonesia already operates earlier variants of the T-50i at the 15th Air Squadron, based at Iswahjudi Air Base in Central Java. Nyoman did not disclose where the new jets will be stationed.
On September 29, Deputy Air Force Chief of Staff Air Marshal Tedi Rizalihadi visited KAI’s facility in Sacheon, South Korea, to inspect the aircraft under production. He was received by KAI Senior Executive Vice President Jae-Byoung Cha, who provided a briefing on the manufacturing process and maintenance systems, according to the Air Force.
The T-50i procurement is part of Indonesia’s broader effort to modernize its fleet. The country has also ordered French-made Rafale fighter jets, with the first three expected to arrive between February and March 2026. Air Force Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono recently inspected infrastructure upgrades at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Riau, to support Rafale operations.
Tonny has also confirmed that the Air Force is considering a potential 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. We consider compatibility, strategic needs, and international relations,” he said.
Indonesia, a non-aligned nation, maintains defense partnerships with multiple countries. Final decisions on major arms procurements rest with the Ministry of Defense.
