Indonesia has announced its commitment to procuring up to 24 Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighters, subject to US governmental approval.
The commitment was made with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 21 August by Air Vice Marshal Yusuf Jauhari, head of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Defense Facilities Agency, and Mark Sears, Boeing Fighters vice president and programme manager. The signing took place at Boeing’s St Louis facility during a visit to the United States by a delegation from the Indonesian MoD led by Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto.
“We are pleased to announce our commitment to procure the critical F-15EX fighter capability for Indonesia,” said Subianto as he witnessed the MoU signing. “This state-of-the-art fighter will protect and secure our nation with its advanced capabilities.”
The F-15EX, which essentially replaces the F-15C, is the most advanced version of the F-15. It has digital fly-by-wire flight controls, a new electronic warfare system, an all-glass digital cockpit, and the latest mission systems and software capabilities.
The Indonesian iteration of the aircraft will be designated the F-15IDN.
“We have invested years of expertise into developing the F-15EX capabilities. There is no other fighter like the F-15 in the world, and this platform will put Indonesia at the top of air dominance capabilities,” said Sears at the MoU signing. “Boeing is ready to support this effort and remains a committed partner to the US government in advancing international security objectives with allies and partners around the world.”
Boeing has had a footprint in Indonesia, for nearly 75 years. The company’s presence there currently covers commercial aviation, defence, space, the supply chain, academia partnerships and talent development efforts across the local industry.
The F-15 is currently operated by seven countries around the world.
Regarding the F-15EX, the US Air Force plans to acquire 144 of the type to replace its F-15C/Ds and received the first of these in March 2021.
In terms of export orders, aside from Indonesia’s commitment to the F-15EX, Israel has ordered 25 F-15IA fighters, which are based on the F-15EX, and plans to upgrade its 25 F-15Is to the F-15IA standard.
Peter Felstead
