South Korea is facing a delicate situation with its new fighter aircraft, the KF-21 Boramae. Developed in partnership with Indonesia, the program may be under threat after an engineer from the partner country attempted to breach aircraft data. 

Indonesian engineer was arrested on 17/01 for attempting to smuggle confidential development data on unauthorized USB drives. The attempted KF-21 information breach is being investigated by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCOC).

The exact nature of the stolen data is still being ascertained, with conflicting reports suggesting it could range from general documents to crucial avionics equipment information, such as AESA radar data, vital to the jet's operation. Initial media reports indicated that several engineers were involved, but Indonesian authorities have since clarified that this was a single individual, who is no longer detained. It is also unknown how damaged the program is due to the possible leak of sensitive material. 

The event brings another layer of complexity to the problematic situation between the two countries in the development of the KF-21. Under the agreement, Indonesia agreed to pay 1.1 billion won for a prototype and technology transfer. However, the country has delayed a number of payments, raising concerns about its commitment to the project and its future financing. This occurs when at the same time that Jakarta acquires Dassault Rafale jets from France and is about to sign the purchase of F-15 fighter jets from the United States. 

In response to the alleged data breach, Indonesian authorities began their own investigation, while emphasizing their commitment to the KF-21 program. The Indonesian embassy in Seoul confirmed contact with the engineer and reiterated its adherence to established procedures.

Launched in 2015 as the KF-X, the KF-21 will replace veteran models still in service with the South Korean Air Force (ROKAF), specifically the F-4 Phantom II and the F-5 Tiger II. Scheduled to enter service in 2026, the jet will operate alongside the numerous F-16 Fighting Falcon, the powerful F-15K Slam Eagle and the stealth F-35 Lightning II. South Korea wants to start production of the plane in 2024 and have 120 of the new fighters in service by 2032. 

With information Chosun Daily