Why Defense Experts are Watching South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae Closely

In military aviation, new fighter jets are constantly emerging, each with unique features and capabilities. 

One particular jet, the KF-21 Boramae, is gaining attention. From its advanced technology and competitive pricing to its potential impact on air combat, this fighter jet is making waves and shaking up the market.

The KF-21 Boramae: South Korea’s New Fighter Jet

Why Defense Experts are Watching South Korea's KF-21 Boramae Closely » KAI KF 21 Boramae ss2138182275
Image Credit: Mike Mareen/Shutterstock

The KF-21 Boramae, made by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), is an important step forward for South Korea’s military flying skills. This versatile fighter jet is a 4.5-generation aircraft designed to improve the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) performance and lessen the need for foreign military technology.

The KF-21 project started in the early 2000s, aiming to build a homegrown fighter jet to replace older models like the F-4 Phantom II and F-5 Tiger.

Indonesia is working with South Korea on this project to strengthen its own military. The name “Boramae,” which means “young hawk” or “fighting hawk,” shows that this jet is meant to be a flexible and quick fighter.

Developing the KF-21 is part of South Korea’s plan to become more self-reliant in defense, especially with rising tensions from North Korea.

The jet uses advanced technology usually found in fifth-generation fighters but is designed to be more affordable. It has a smaller radar profile, modern electronics, and a delta-wing shape that improves its agility. (ref)

KF-21 Boramae Features & Specifications

Why Defense Experts are Watching South Korea's KF-21 Boramae Closely » KAI KF 21 Boramae wc
Image Credit: 방위사업청 – Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), KoreaGov, via Wikimedia Commons

The prototype of the KF-21 was displayed to the public in April 2021, and it had its first flight in July 2022. The South Korean government is committed to make 40 initial jets by 2028. (ref)

Check out the KF-21 Boramae’s key impressive features:

Size: It is 55.4 feet long, with a wingspan of 36.7 feet, and stands 15.4 feet tall.

Performance: With two General Electric F414-GE-400K engines, it can fly at speeds of up to Mach 1.8 and has a combat range estimated at 620 miles and 540 nautical miles. 

Weapons: This fighter can carry weapons on its 10 external hardpoints, including air-to-air missiles like the AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM, as well as precision bombs and anti-ship missiles. Future models may include internal weapon bays to improve stealth.

Technology: The KF-21 is equipped with advanced systems like AESA radar, infrared search and track (IRST) systems, and electronic warfare tools. These features give it an excellent awareness of its surroundings and targeting abilities.

How the KF-21 Boramae Stands Out in Cost

Why Defense Experts are Watching South Korea's KF-21 Boramae Closely » KAI KF 21 Boramae 2 wc
Image Credit: Defense Acquisition Program Administration’s public work is used according to Korea Open Government License (KOGL), via Wikimedia Commons

What makes the KF-21 Boramae more affordable than its competitors? The estimated price for the KF-21 Boramae is about $65 million for the first Block 1 version. This makes it competitive with other 4.5-generation fighters like the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, which usually cost more.

The first contract between KAI and South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is for the production of 20 KF-21 jets, with a total value of about $1.41 billion for this order. (ref)

In contrast, French jets like the Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon cost around $115 million and $124 million, respectively. (ref) According to Meta Defense France, the KF-21 offers better cost-effectiveness compared to the Rafale or Typhoon, and further cost cuts could make it even more competitive as production increases. (ref)

KF-21’s Air Combat Edge with Its Meteor Missile

Why Defense Experts are Watching South Korea's KF-21 Boramae Closely » KAI KF 21 Boramae ss2140997921
Image Credit: Mike Mareen/Shutterstock

The KF-21 is set to outshine its rivals in air combat. In May, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that the KF-21 successfully completed its first live-fire test with the Meteor air-to-air missile. 

The Meteor, known for its high performance, can fly faster than Mach 4 and hit targets up to 124 miles (200 km) away. This makes it one of the best air-to-air missiles in existence.

The KF-21 is now the fourth aircraft globally to conduct a live-fire test of the Meteor, joining the Eurofighter, Rafale, and Gripen. It can carry four Meteor missiles, set to be introduced in 2025.

Additionally, the KF-21 can exceed speeds of Mach 1.8 (about 1,367 mph) and perform advanced maneuvers at low speeds, between 93 to 124 mph .

Another benefit is the KF-21’s potential for further upgrades due to its large airframe. According to a KAI report from April last year, the KF-21 is in its first stage of mass production, equipped with air-to-air weapons and basic stealth features.

Future stages will add air-to-ground capabilities and advanced stealth, as well as manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) systems. This MUM-T approach allows a piloted fighter to work with an AI-controlled drone for support during missions.

The Future of 6th-Generation Fighters

Why Defense Experts are Watching South Korea's KF-21 Boramae Closely » KAI KF 21 Boramae 3 wc
Image Credit: 방위사업청 – Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), KoreaGov, via Wikimedia Commons

The final stage of the KF-21 project aims to improve stealth features and integrate AI for piloting, moving towards a 6th-generation fighter as it competes with other fighter jets. (ref)

The British-led Tempest program, with Italy and Sweden, plans to be operational by around 2035. Meanwhile, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) being developed by France, Germany, and Spain aims for deployment by 2040.

The U.S. is leading with its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, currently in the testing phase. If successful, it could replace the F-22 Raptor with a new stealth fighter.

As we enter the 2030s, the 6th-generation fighter market will be heavily influenced by advancements from the U.S., Europe, China, and Russia.

Martha A. Lavallie
Martha A. Lavallie
Author & Editor | + posts

Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.