Seoul, June 30 - In a significant boost to South Korea’s aerospace industry and national defense capabilities, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has secured a second production contract for its domestically developed KF-21 Boramae fighter jet. The agreement, signed with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), is valued at 2.39 trillion won (approximately $1.76 billion) and covers the production of an additional 20 KF-21 jets. This follows an earlier contract in June 2024 for an initial batch of 20 aircraft, bringing the total to 40 jets slated for delivery to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) by 2028. The new deal also includes comprehensive logistics support, such as technical manuals and training programs, ensuring the aircraft’s seamless integration into the air force’s operations. Deliveries are set to begin in the second half of 2026, marking a pivotal step in modernizing South Korea’s air defense capabilities.
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The KF-21 Boramae, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, is designed to replace the ROKAF’s aging fleet of F-4 Phantom II and F-5 Tiger jets, which have been in service since the 1960s. Powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K turbofan engines, the KF-21 boasts a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 (approximately 2,200 kilometers per hour) and a combat range of 2,900 kilometers. Its advanced avionics, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and integrated electro-optical targeting system, enhance its situational awareness and targeting precision. The aircraft incorporates stealth features, such as a reduced radar cross-section, flush antennas, and radar-absorbent materials, positioning it as a cost-effective alternative to fifth-generation fighters like the F-35. With a maximum takeoff weight of around 56,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 17,000 pounds, the KF-21 supports a wide array of armaments, including air-to-air missiles like the MBDA Meteor, precision-guided bombs, and a 20mm M61A2 Vulcan cannon. Future upgrades, planned under the KF-21EX program, aim to introduce internal weapons bays to further enhance its stealth capabilities.
The KF-21 program, launched in 2015 as a joint venture with Indonesia, represents South Korea’s ambition to achieve defense autonomy and establish itself as a global leader in aerospace technology. Since its maiden flight in July 2022, six prototypes have undergone extensive testing, surpassing 1,000 flights and achieving milestones such as air-to-air refueling and supersonic speeds of Mach 1.8. The program has faced challenges, including delays and Indonesia’s reduced financial contribution, now at 7.5% or $409 million, but KAI has maintained progress with a localization rate of 65% through collaboration with 600 domestic companies. The final assembly of the first mass-produced KF-21 began in May 2025 at KAI’s Sacheon facility, utilizing advanced automation to ensure precision. The ROKAF plans to acquire 120 KF-21s by 2032, strengthening its three-axis defense system against regional threats, particularly from North Korea.
Beyond domestic use, the KF-21 has garnered international interest from countries like Poland, Peru, and the United Arab Emirates, drawn by its advanced capabilities and affordability compared to Western alternatives. KAI’s success in exporting the FA-50 light attack jet to nations like Poland and Malaysia bolsters confidence in the KF-21’s potential as an export product. The program not only enhances South Korea’s military capabilities but also positions its aerospace industry as a competitive player on the global stage, with plans to develop sixth-generation manned and unmanned systems in the future.