Boeing to Rely on 85% Local Support for F-15EX in Indonesia

: Apr 16, 2025 - : 11:09 pm

Boeing has pledged to involve Indonesian industry in the production and support of the F-15EX fighter jet should the country finalise plans to acquire the aircraft. The commitment comes amid ongoing negotiations for the potential purchase of 24 units, following...

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The MoU, signed by then-Defence Minister and current President Prabowo Subianto, outlines Indonesia’s intention to procure the F-15EX, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter jet developed by the US-based manufacturer. Boeing says it is prepared to meet up to 85 percent of programme requirements through local production and support mechanisms.

“If Indonesia chooses the F-15EX, Boeing will meet 85 percent of the requirements through local production and support. We have a strong and dedicated team that has visited Indonesia several times over the past year to explore partnership and investment opportunities,” said Robert Novotny, Executive Director of F-15 Business Development at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, during a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday (Apr. 15) as quoted by Kompas.

Novotny noted that the F-15EX is particularly well-suited to Indonesia’s defence needs, citing its long range, large payload capacity, and class-leading speed. He added that the aircraft is combat-proven and requires no further development prior to deployment.

“Once it lands in Jakarta, the F-15EX is ready for operational use. It’s a long-term asset with a lifespan of up to 20,000 flight hours or approximately 30 years,” he said.

In addition to its performance, the aircraft is designed with a lower operational cost—estimated at around IDR 486.8 million (USD 30,000) per flight hour, including maintenance—which Boeing says makes it a cost-effective option for active deployment.

The deal is expected to be finalised by mid-2025. In a previous statement made in November 2022, Prabowo confirmed that the acquisition plan was in an advanced stage and awaiting final government approval. This followed a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in Jakarta.

At the time, Prabowo said Boeing had accepted Indonesia’s financial terms and described the negotiation process as progressing well. The US Department of State had earlier approved the potential sale of the F-15 and related equipment to Indonesia in February 2022.

“We fully support Minister Prabowo’s efforts to modernise Indonesia’s defence capabilities, and we are committed to assisting in any way we can,” Austin said at the time.

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