Nine years after initiating the development of the KF-21 Boramae, South Korea has signed a significant deal with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the production of 20 fighter jets. The contract, valued at 1.96 trillion won (approximately $1.41 billion), marks a major milestone in South Korea’s ambitious effort to modernize its air force and bolster its defense capabilities.
The agreement with the Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) includes not only the production of the aircraft but also comprehensive logistics support and training. The KF-21, which resembles the profile of an F-35 fighter jet, is classified as a 4.5th-generation fighter. The initial production models, however, are designed to incorporate upgrades over time to potentially include more advanced, fifth-generation features.
KAI President Kang Goo-young stated, “The KF-21 will serve as a true symbol of self-reliant defense, contributing to the enhancement of South Korea’s air power and the development of the advanced aerospace industry.” The first of the 20 jets is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026, with the final jet from this series expected by August 31, 2027.
The KF-21 project, which began in 2015, aims to replace South Korea’s aging fleet of U.S.-made F-4 Phantoms and Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighters. The development is currently 80% complete, with six prototypes built and undergoing various performance tests. These include successful aerial refueling, air-to-air missile launches, and expansions in mission range concerning altitude, speed, and maneuverability.
In parallel, Hanwha Aerospace has signed a contract with DAPA to supply approximately 40 F414 engines for the KF-21, valued at 556.2 billion won. Additionally, Hanwha Systems will provide active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars under a 110 billion won contract. These radars, which allow for electronically steering the beam of radio waves, are crucial for enhancing the aircraft’s combat capabilities.
The KF-21 is designed with modularity and the ability to integrate foreign components, which enables it to be upgraded over time. While the initial models cannot carry weapons internally, future variants are planned to have this capability, improving their stealth characteristics. South Korea aims to achieve a localization rate of 65% for the KF-21’s components, similar to the gradual improvement seen with previous aircraft like the T-50 jet and the Surion helicopter.
The development of the KF-21 involves over 600 domestic partner companies, indicating a significant collaboration within South Korea’s aerospace industry. The nation plans to have 120 KF-21s in service by 2032, with aspirations to offer the fighter jets for export. The KF-21 is expected to compete in the international market against aircraft like the French Rafale, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and potentially fill the gap left by the diminished Russian fighter jet export market.
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