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Indian Air Force (IAF) and defence officials have dismissed recent media reports suggesting that India is evaluating South Korea's KF-21 Boramae fighter jet.
Officials have clarified that the aircraft is not being considered for acquisition, as the claims are speculative and do not align with the country's current military procurement strategy.
Reports that surfaced in early August suggested the IAF was interested in the 4.5-generation KF-21 as a potential candidate for its fleet modernization.
These unsubstantiated reports claimed the jet was being considered due to its competitive cost and potential for future upgrades, which could align with India's 'Make in India' policy in defence. However, the reports did not cite any official sources to validate these assertions.
In response, senior IAF officials have firmly denied the claims, stating that the reports are groundless. They confirmed that there has been no official communication or offer from the South Korean government or the manufacturer, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), regarding the KF-21.
Furthermore, the IAF has not expressed any formal interest in the aircraft or included it in any evaluations.
The KF-21 Boramae is a modern multirole fighter aircraft being developed by South Korea with Indonesia as a junior partner. Designed to be a more affordable alternative to 5th-generation stealth fighters, the aircraft successfully completed its first test flight in July 2022.
While it has generated international interest, it remains a new platform that has not yet entered full-scale production or operational service.
A key point of clarification is that the KF-21 is not a contender in India's ongoing Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program.
This major tender, valued at over $20 billion, aims to procure 114 jets for the IAF through a combination of direct purchase and domestic manufacturing.
The primary aircraft being evaluated for MRFA program include established global platforms such as Dassault's Rafale, Boeing's F-15EX, Saab's Gripen E, and Russia's Su-35.
India's current defence acquisition focus is strongly centered on promoting indigenous manufacturing and achieving self-reliance.
The nation is heavily invested in its own aircraft programs, such as the operational HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and the development of the advanced, 5th-generation HAL AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft).
Given this strategic priority, considering a new and globally untested foreign aircraft like the KF-21 is not a viable option for the IAF at this stage.
