Boeing loses Indonesian F-15EX contract after talks stall

Boeing F 15EX Eagle II is a heavily armed fighter jet

USAF

Boeing has ended its effort to sell F-15EX fighter jets to Indonesia, bringing an end to a long-running campaign that never moved beyond preliminary talks.

The effort dates back to a 2023 memorandum of understanding that outlined a potential purchase of up to 36 F-15EX aircraft. The agreement did not progress to a binding contract, and Boeing has since confirmed it is no longer actively pursuing the sale.

According to Reuters reporting, Indonesian defense officials said the proposed price for the full package was too high to proceed. While no official figure was released, earlier estimates had put the deal’s value at roughly $13.9 billion.

Indonesia has continued to explore other aircraft options. At the Singapore Airshow 2026, the country signed a Letter of Intent related to Leonardo’s M-346F aircraft, a move reported by multiple outlets as part of its broader air force modernization.

Diversification has long been a priority in Indonesia’s procurement planning. US sanctions in the late 1990s disrupted spare-parts support for American-made aircraft, leaving parts of the fleet grounded and shaping Jakarta’s approach to future acquisitions.

Recent purchases reflect that shift. Indonesia has committed to buying 42 Dassault Rafale fighters from France, with initial deliveries expected to begin in 2026. The country has also evaluated other platforms as it works to replace aging aircraft.

Indonesia has also deepened defense ties with Turkey. In 2025, Jakarta announced plans to participate in Turkey’s KAAN fighter program, including a commitment to acquire aircraft and take part in elements of local production.

Although the Indonesia campaign has ended, Boeing continues to deliver F-15EX aircraft to the US Air Force and remains active across the Asia-Pacific region.

Japan is upgrading its F-15J fleet with new radars and mission systems, while South Korea is moving ahead with a multibillion-dollar modernization of its F-15K fighters. Singapore, another long-time F-15 operator, is also evaluating upgrades as it integrates the F-35 into its force.

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