Indonesia signs MOU with Boeing for F-15EX

The US Department of State approved a possible sale of 36 Boeing F-15EXs to Indonesia in 2022. Indonesia has downsized its potential acquisition to 24 aircraft – likely to reduce contract costs. (Boeing)

The Indonesian government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Boeing for the acquisition of 24 F-15EX fighter aircraft.

The MOU, which was signed at Boeing's St Louis facility on 21 August, constitutes a “commitment to finalise the sale” of the F-15EXs, Boeing said.

The MOU was signed during a visit by Indonesia's Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto to the US. In a statement, Prabowo said that the fighter's advanced capabilities are important for the protection of Indonesian national sovereignty.

“The F-15EX … [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,” Boeing said. These capabilities will be leveraged in delivering the Indonesian version, which has been designated the F-15IDN, the company added.

The US Department of State approved the sale of 36 F-15EXs on 10 February 2022 under Foreign Military Sales (FMS). This potential sale had an estimated value of USD13.9 billion. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) also submitted the required certification notifying Congress of the possible sale.

According to local media, this comprised USD9.8 billion for the aircraft and approximately USD4.4 for related equipment.

In November 2022 Prabowo confirmed that plans to acquire the aircraft were at an “advanced stage” and awaited “final approval from the government”, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Defense (MoD). Boeing said the sale is subject to US government approval.