Following an official visit to the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) facilities, the Indonesian Air Force confirmed that it will receive the first T-50i “Golden Eagle” advanced trainers next November, as part of an additional order of six aircraft placed with the South Korean company. These aircraft, which will complement the current fleet, will strengthen the basic and advanced training capabilities for future F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots, as well as pilots of the new Rafales acquired from France.
The delivery confirmation comes after a visit and inspection by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Air Marshal Tedi Rizalihadi, to KAI’s facilities in South Korea on Monday, September 29, where they reviewed the progress in the production of the six additional ordered aircraft. Considering the current trainer fleet already in service, this new batch adds a key link in the training of combat pilots, ensuring a more efficient transition to modern platforms.
The selection of the T-50i “Golden Eagle” advanced trainers is part of a much broader agreement with Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) dating back to 2011 for a total of sixteen (16) aircraft, aimed at renewing the country’s advanced training capabilities and replacing the older Hawk Mk-53 aircraft. The delivery of the first batch was completed in 2014, forming the 15th Air Squadron, based at Iswahjudi Air Base in Central Java.
After several years of operation and consolidation with the new platform, a new agreement was signed in 2021, valued at approximately US$240 million, covering the acquisition of six additional T-50i aircraft. Originally, deliveries were scheduled for October 2024; however, timelines were extended, and the aircraft are now expected to begin arriving in November 2025, with completion possible in 2026.
The T-50i “Golden Eagle” is the Indonesian-adapted version of the supersonic trainer developed by KAI in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. In addition to its primary role as an advanced trainer and Lead-In Fighter Trainer (LIFT), the aircraft can be configured with armament to perform light attack missions, providing added operational flexibility.
Finally, it should be noted that the aircraft is powered by a General Electric F404-GE-102 engine with FADEC, reaches approximately Mach 1.5, and operates at a flight ceiling between 48,000 and 55,000 feet, depending on the profile. Designed primarily for training, it can carry up to five tons of external ordnance and is equipped with an internal M197 three-barrel 20 mm cannon, with a firing rate of approximately 2,000 rounds per minute.
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