Alleged Theft of KF-21 Fighter Technologies Sparks Investigation into Indonesian Engineers in South Korea

A group of Indonesian engineers deployed to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is currently under investigation over allegations of stealing crucial technologies related to the KF-21 fighter jet, a project jointly developed by South Korea and Indonesia.

Multiple sources from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCC) revealed to South Korean news outlet Yonhap that the engineers are suspected of unlawfully storing sensitive data on a USB device.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the DCC have formed a joint investigative team to scrutinize the extent of the alleged theft, leading them to prohibit the implicated Indonesian engineers from leaving South Korea until the investigation is concluded. The incident has raised concerns about potential security breaches and the compromise of strategic technologies related to the advanced fighter jet.

A source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, disclosed, "An investigation is currently underway to figure out whether the stored data contains strategic technologies." The severity of the situation has prompted heightened security measures and a thorough examination of the potential implications for the KF-21 development project.

Indonesia, as a partner country in the KF-21 program, has faced additional scrutiny due to its failure to fulfill its financial obligations. The country was expected to contribute 20% of the project's total cost, which amounts to 8.8 trillion won ($6.5 billion). However, Indonesia has reportedly fallen behind on payments, raising questions about its commitment to the program initiated in 2015.

To date, Indonesia has paid approximately 278.3 billion won for its involvement in the KF-21 development project, leaving a substantial outstanding balance of nearly 1 trillion won. South Korea, determined to proceed with the project, plans to commence the production of KF-21 fighter jets later this year, with an ambitious goal of deploying 120 units by 2032.