South Korea's Next-Gen KF-21 Fighter Jet Cleared for Production

South Korea took a major step towards bolstering its airpower capabilities as the country's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) officially approved the production of its domestically developed, next-generation KF-21 Boramae fighter jet.

This decision marks a significant milestone for South Korea's ambition to become a leading player in the aerospace industry.

Cautious Start, Ambitious Goals​

DAPA's production plan spans from 2024 to 2028 with an estimated cost of W7.9 trillion (roughly $5.8 billion). While the exact number of aircraft in this initial batch remains confidential, South Korean media suggests approximately 20 jets.

This is a conservative start for Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the KF-21's manufacturer, who had pushed for a larger initial production run.

DAPA's cautious approach stems from the desire for further rigorous testing of the jet's advanced systems, notably the indigenously developed Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and its air-to-air missile capabilities.

Such delays are not uncommon in the development of complex military technologies.

Big Plans Remain on Schedule​

Despite the adjustment to the first batch's size, the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) and DAPA maintain confidence in the overall production timeline. The ROKAF anticipates receiving its first KF-21 jets in the second half of 2026.

The long-term goal of deploying a fleet of 120 KF-21s by 2032 remains unchanged.

Leaping Forward​

Powered by twin GE Aerospace F414 engines, the KF-21 promises a significant upgrade for the ROKAF. Designed to replace the service's aging fleet of F-4 Phantoms and F-5 Tiger IIs, the KF-21 will usher in a new era for South Korean airpower.

This advanced fighter jet embodies the country's commitment to advanced defense capabilities and showcases the nation's growing role as a leader in aerospace technology.

 

[Mridul baruah]

Yeh hota hai kam. Koi dhindora nehi...koi excuse nehi. Time pe kaam khatam.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

If this bird is also based on twin GE F414 engine, how much more superior than KF-21 will our own AMCA be?

To think that the Koreans already have this 5th gen plane flying now and the Indonesians will be getting it soon, shows how late we are in the game.

Time for some deep deep introspection.

 

[Vijesh]

If this bird is also based on twin GE F414 engine, how much more superior than KF-21 will our own AMCA be?

To think that the Koreans already have this 5th gen plane flying now and the Indonesians will be getting it soon, shows how late we are in the game.

Time for some deep deep introspection.

KF-21 is on their runway and fly on their Airspace, our AMCA picture is hanging in ADA office walls and Indian dreams.

 

[Bharat007]

It may not 5 gen fighter jet yet but definitely worth more than F4s.

 

[amerjit johal]

The next batch will have internal weapons bay. Making it more of a 5th gen

 

[CCPSmasher]

Countries like South Korea, Turkey are chasing ahead while our HAL is still crawling when we all need is a lil sense of urgency if not outright chasing ahead of the game.

 

[Prashu Sam]

Countries like South Korea, Turkey are chasing ahead while our HAL is still crawling when we all need is a lil sense of urgency if not outright chasing ahead of the game.

Time to observe and learn from these small nations, There budget/manpower is much smaller than us and yet they make remarkable progress.

 

[Prashu Sam]

If this bird is also based on twin GE F414 engine, how much more superior than KF-21 will our own AMCA be?

To think that the Koreans already have this 5th gen plane flying now and the Indonesians will be getting it soon, shows how late we are in the game.

Time for some deep deep introspection.

KF-21is reality and AMCA is pipe dream. You can not compare something that exists and one that may be exist

 

[Rational Guy]

Yeh hota hai kam. Koi dhindora nehi...koi excuse nehi. Time pe kaam khatam.

We are we smart as these Asians but difference is they work and don't talk while we talk and don't work.

 

[Ut]

Mind this program is joint ventured with lokheed martin who developed f22 and f35. Many of the technologies from weapons bay, to fuel replenishment system to many smaller subsystems are all taken off the shelf.

 

[Sandeep]

KF-21 is on their runway and fly on their Airspace, our AMCA picture is hanging in ADA office walls and Indian dreams.

The only reason why they have managed to develop their stealth jet so quickly is because most of the technology, parts, equipment and components etc have mostly been bought from the USA and NATO companies. So South Korea isn't racing ahead as we are developing the AMCA completely by ourselves without any help which works out better in the long term.

Also the technology that we have developed for the AMCA will be 100% indigenously designed and made in India and it isn't a pipe dream. Currently they are already starting to make the items and parts now that the government has cleared the funds so private companies will be participating keenly.

 

[War is good for business]

The only reason why they have managed to develop their stealth jet so quickly is because most of the technology, parts, equipment and components etc have mostly been bought from the USA and NATO companies. So South Korea isn't racing ahead as we are developing the AMCA completely by ourselves without any help which works out better in the long term.

Also the technology that we have developed for the AMCA will be 100% indigenously designed and made in India and it isn't a pipe dream. Currently they are already starting to make the items and parts now that the government has cleared the funds so private companies will be participating keenly.

Apart from the engines and some avionics, about 60% of the aircraft is developed indigenously, that is a similar percentage to current Tejas mk1A. Even if they are using foreign parts where's the harm.

 

[Shafted mohammed]

Yeh hota hai kam. Koi dhindora nehi...koi excuse nehi. Time pe kaam khatam.

I strongly believe that HAL cannot do it. Just give it someone else who can deliver.

 

[SK]

This is a good news for South Korea & an indication of its growing Military might.

I hope that in the next 20-years we get to see Korean-Reunification to give South-Korea the opportunity to get:-

1. Nuclear Weapons Capability
2. Ballistic Missile Capability
3. Population Growth
4. Bigger Territory for investment.

Yes, it may put Economical burden on South Korea for sometime but in the long run it will only lead to South-Korea emerging as a Major regional & Global Player.