INDONESIA is monitoring an investigation concerning two Indonesian engineers who allegedly attempted to steal fighter jet technologies from a South Korean defense company.
The alleged technology theft was discovered last month at the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the aircraft’s manufacturer.
South Korean authorities opened an investigation regarding the matter as their Indonesian counterparts monitor the ongoing probe.
Despite the controversy, the Indonesian government said it is committed to pursuing a joint partnership with the South Korean defense company to develop KF-21 Boramae fighter jets.
The joint project was initially valued at $8-B under the deal, both countries will produce 120 units of the advanced fighter jet for South Korea and 48 jets for Indonesia.
The two Indonesian engineers were accused of stealing and attempting to leak technical data about the fighter jet program.
Meanwhile, an official from South Korea’s defense acquisition program administration said the documents inside the USB drive contained ordinary data instead of critical information relevant to strategic technology that could violate South Korea’s laws on military secrecy.
The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul is collaborating with South Korean officials and several relevant agencies to gather more information about the case.
