South Korea is set to commence the production of its domestically developed KF-21 fighter jet in 2024. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) aims to finalize a contract with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the manufacturer of the KF-21, within the first half of 2024.
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The KF-21 Fighter Jet
The KF-21 Boramae was developed through the KF-X program, a collaborative effort between South Korea and Indonesia initiated in 2015. The program is expected to reach 8.1 trillion won (approximately US$6.1 billion) by 2026. Equipped with two F414 engines sourced from GE Aviation, the same engines powering F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Saab JAS 39E/F Gripens, the KF-21 boasts a passive stealth design and advanced avionics. However, it does not have an internal weapon bay, leading to its classification as a "4.5 generation fighter". The KF-21 features a wingspan of 11.2 meters (36.7 feet). It has a range of 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) and a top speed reaching 2,200 kilometers per hour (1,367 miles per hour). Powered by a maximum thrust of 44,000 pounds, this fighter jet has a substantial maximum takeoff weight of 25,600 kilograms (56,218 pounds) and a maximum weapon load capacity of 7,700 kilograms (17,000 pounds).
Test Flights and Future Plans
The inaugural aircraft prototype took to the skies for the first time on July 19, 2022, and achieved supersonic speed on January 17, 2023. In total, six KF-21 prototypes have undergone successful test flights, encompassing various performance assessments including night flight and weapon separation tests. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) aims to acquire 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032 to replace aging fighters like the F-4E and F-5E.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite meeting its deadlines, some uncertainties loom over the project due to Indonesia’s overdue payments, estimated at nearly 1 trillion won ($760 million) as of October 2023¹. Seoul was slated to cover about 60% of the cost, with Jakarta and KAI contributing approximately 20% each. Negotiations have been underway for Jakarta to submit an updated payment plan.
Conclusion
The commencement of KF-21 production marks a significant milestone in South Korea's defense industry. It not only showcases the country's technological prowess but also its ambition to be self-reliant in terms of defense capabilities. However, the project's success will depend on overcoming financial hurdles and ensuring the fighter jet's performance meets the high expectations.