Boeing confirmed that the deal for twenty-four F-15EX won’t proceed, with Indonesia in the meantime signing a Letter of Intent to interchange the Hawk with the M-346F Block 20.
After some years in a limbo, it seems that Indonesia has deserted its plan to accumulate the F-15EX Eagle II. On the identical time, the nation has now chosen the M-346F to proceed its modernization and change the Hawk, which the nation operates within the Mk. 209 and Mk. 109 variants.
No Extra Indonesian F-15EXs
On the primary day of the Singapore Airshow, on Feb. 3, 2026, Boeing confirmed that Indonesia won’t procure the F-15EX Eagle II. “By way of our partnership with Indonesia, it’s not an lively marketing campaign for us,” mentioned Bernd Peters, vice chairman of enterprise improvement and technique at Boeing Protection.
We’re honored to host Indonesian Minister of Protection Prabowo Subianto on a tour of our F-15 manufacturing line in St. Louis.
Indonesia is a crucial companion and we’re humbled that they’ve chosen F-15 to advance their capabilities for the longer term.
Extra: pic.twitter.com/Hnz28Eoq0J
— Boeing Protection (@BoeingDefense) August 22, 2023
Indonesia and Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding to finalize the sale of 24 F-15EX Eagle II plane on Aug. 21, 2023. A 12 months earlier, the U.S. Protection Safety Cooperation Company (DSCA) already authorized a potential International Navy Sale to Indonesia for as much as 36 F-15EXs.
Nevertheless, it appears that evidently since 2023 there was no progress on the formalization of the deal and the ultimate acquisition contract. On the time, the F-15EX was anticipated to affix the Rafale and the KF-21 in a state-of-the-art fleet that might have changed legacy plane sorts.
The deal would have made Indonesia the primary export operator of the Eagle II, which might have are available a particular variant known as F-15IND. Particular particulars concerning the configuration of the plane weren’t supplied, though some U.S.-only techniques have been anticipated to be eliminated.
In keeping with the DSCA announcement, the proposed F-15IND included the AN/APG-82(v)1 Superior Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Energetic Warning Survivability Programs (EPAWSS), Superior Show Core Processor (ADCP) II digital computer systems, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Programs (JHMCS) for each pilots and Weapon Programs Officers (WSO), AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN navigation pods, AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Superior Focusing on Pods (ATP), MS-110 Recce Pods, AN/ASG-34 Infrared Search and Monitor Worldwide (presumably built-in within the Sniper’s pylon).
M-346F Letter of Intent
On Feb. 4, 2026, the second day of the Singapore Airshow, Leonardo introduced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with PT ESystem Options Indonesia and the Indonesian Ministry of Protection (MoD) for the availability and help of the M-346F Block 20. The MoD chosen the M-346F to fulfill its coaching and fight functionality necessities, changing the Hawk at the moment in service within the Mk. 209 gentle fighter variant and Mk. 109 coach variant.
The M-346F Block 20 is the most recent gentle fighter variant of the M-346 coach, introduced in 2024 on the Farnborough Worldwide Air Present. Leonardo didn’t disclose what number of plane Indonesia is planning to accumulate, a element which may be outlined throughout the now ongoing discussions, nevertheless talked about the LoI consists of the localization of a variety of help, upkeep, overhaul, coaching capabilities in addition to human capital improvement.
The Block 20 customary cockpit will likely be fully renewed, that includes two Massive Space Shows (LAD), one per every seat, changing the present six Multi-Practical Shows (MFD), plus a low-profile Head-Up Show (HUD). These will likely be mixed with a brand new digital video and information recorder and a brand new augmented actuality Helmet Mounted Show (HMD).
The M-346 Block 20 may also profit from new navigation, weapon administration, flight administration system, IFF (Identification of Good friend or Foe) transponder. Particularly for the M-346 F variant, additional crucial functionality enhancements embody an AESA (Energetic Electronically Scanned Array) radar that includes fireplace management radar functionality, integration of recent weapons for each air-to-air and air-to-ground roles along with a built-in missile datalink.
🔴#LDO_PR On the @SGAirshow, #Leonardo introduced the signing of a Letter of Intent (#LOI) with PT ESystem Options Indonesia and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Republic of #Indonesia (@Kemhan_RI) geared toward cooperating for the availability and help of the Leonardo #M346F… pic.twitter.com/U4QgY77HNn
— Leonardo Aeronautics (@LDO_Aeronautics) February 4, 2026
Essentially the most seen variations of M-346F from the usual configuration are the 2 wingtip missile rails, that carry the full hardpoints to seven, new antennas and the Defensive Assist Sub System (DASS). The plane, which is being proposed for Homeland Defence/Air Policing, Gradual Mover Intercept, Shut Air Help (CAS), Counter INsurgency (COIN), Ahead Air Controller – Airborne (FAC-A), Fight Search And Rescue (CSAR), Interdiction, Battlefield Air Interdiction (BAI), Tactical Air Help for Maritime Operations (TASMO) and Tactical Reconnaissance roles, can carry greater than 2,000 kg of weapons.
Indonesia’s Future Plans and Extensive Number of Plane
In recent times, Indonesia has moved to drastically modernize its air pressure, though not all plans went via, with the latest occasion being the F-15EX.
In 2022, Indonesia and France signed a $8 billion deal for 42 Rafale fighter plane, with a complete bundle that covers aircrew coaching, logistical help for a number of Indonesian air bases, and a coaching heart with two full-mission simulators. In January 2026, it has been reported the primary three Rafales have landed on Indonesian soil.
In 2023, Indonesia additionally signed a contract to accumulate the Qatar Emiri Air Drive’s (QEAF’s) complete fleet of 12 Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighter plane and stop a decline within the fight effectiveness of the Indonesian Air Drive whereas ready for deliveries of the brand new plane. Nevertheless, a 12 months later the MoD cancelled the contract.
Indonesia continues to be formally concerned within the KF-21 program as an investor, with long-standing plans to accumulate the plane and take part in its manufacture. Nevertheless, as reported on different events, the partnership has been strained by delayed funds and a discount in Jakarta’s monetary contribution.
Being South Korea’s most important companion within the KF-X program, Indonesia was set to burden roughly 20% of the event program. The nation was additionally set to obtain the fifth KF-21 prototype for native flight testing and weapons integration, however South Korean media just lately reported this won’t occur anymore.
Furthermore, Indonesia has but to signal a contract for the acquisition of the brand new fighter. Current reviews concerning the Philippines being in talks to accumulate between 12 and 24 KF-21s seem to have prompted pressing negotiations by Indonesia to keep away from falling behind within the manufacturing queue, with talks concerning the acquisition of 16 KF-21 Block 2 jets.
The latest fighter acquisition includes the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) Kaan, Turkey’s first domestically produced fight plane. Following the settlement introduced in 2025, Indonesia plans to purchase 48 plane for a complete estimated worth of $10 billion.
The nation at the moment operates a mixture of Western and Jap plane. The Indonesian Air Drive (Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Udara TNI-AU) has a complete of 33 F-16 and a mixture of 11 Su-30MK2 and 5 Su-27SKM that function the spine of the fighter pressure.
Other than the mainline fighters, TNI-AU additionally operates BAE Programs Hawk Mk. 209 and Mk. 109, EMB-314 Tremendous Tucanos, and T-50i as gentle assault plane. With the South Korean T-50i getting used as each Lead In Fighter Coaching (LIFT) and an assault platform, Indonesia determined to purchase 6 further airframes in 2021.
With earlier ties with the previous Soviet nation dissolving, the Indonesian Air Drive appears to be transitioning nearer to Western air platforms. Indonesia is in a strategic place within the gentle of the nice energy competitors with China, and it needs to be no surprise that the numerous nations are keen to equip the TNI AU with their latest fighter jets.
