I have some concerns about this. Except if PTDI has the plan to also build our own 2nd and probably 3rd prototypes or as many as needed, having only one prototype doesn't really bring much confidence considering that our version will have some differences compared to the KF-21.
Ah, the expectation. They can achieve that for sure, as long as they have ramped up their production facility and capability and that the performance of the end products at least match the requirements of TNI-AU.
These are the minimum they have to achieve in order to minimize the chance for some "rekanan" and overly business-oriented generals/air marshalls to sway the decisions to their favor.
Our version doesnt have much different with KF 21 for Korean Airforce, just recently the program manager said IFX will use similar boom system as well for refueling ( contrary to previous plan), so it will reduce the complexity of the program.
Giving 1 prototype to PTDI means PTDI has been given the right to produce/own the fighter for their own development. We will not get this right if we buy imported plane since the foreign OEM will only allow their plane to be used by our Air Force only. This is also part of reverse engineering in legal way as our local industry will get the right to use the plane for any kind of activities, including research. Just see when Defense ID is formed, so basically all SOE companies and even SOE Universities (ITB/UI) can use the plane for research purposes. I believe we can make second prototype by our own if there is money available for that.
PTDI is now plan to increase the production of their production line. The current plan is to ramp up production for NC 212i from 3 planes in a year into 6 planes a year in 2022.
To increase the production significantly needs automation system and it needs huge investment, but I expect KF21/IFX production facility that we try to build will likely use automation, including robotic system.
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President has revealed the plan to make PTDI gets 4 times land compared to current facility in Bandung, where in early 2021 the plan has been bolden where West Java Governor will also participate to make it happen. We know since 2016 Jokowi has plan to build PTDI factory in Kertajati, West Java.