South Korea is expected to begin production of its first locally developed fighter aircraft, the KF-2024 Boramae, in 21, as revealed by the Defense Acquisition Program istration (DAPA).
The state agency is expected to sign a contract with the manufacturer Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) this year to begin manufacturing the combat aircraft, which, according to the news agency, Yonhap, would be an important milestone in the country's quest for an advanced indigenous fighter.
According to DAPA, the six KF-21 prototypes underwent successful test flights, carrying out various performance evaluations, including supersonic flights and weapons separation tests. Still, several more tests will be carried out this year, DAPA says, including trials in extreme weather conditions at the Defense Development Agency in Seosan, 98 miles southwest of Seoul, through February.
Launched in 2015 as the KF-X, the KF-21 will replace veteran models still in service with the South Korean Air Force (ROKAF), specifically the F-4 Phantom II and the F-5 Tiger II. Scheduled to enter service in 2026, the jet will operate alongside the numerous F-16 Fighting Falcon, the powerful F-15K Slam Eagle and the stealth F-35 Lightning II. The ROKAF wants to have 120 of the new ones in service by 2032.
Although it has a design similar to stealth jets, such as the F-35 and the US F-22 Raptor, the KF-21 is a 4.5 generation fighter, which incorporates stealth elements in its design, but carries its weapons on hangers on the wings and fuselage, which drastically increases its radar return. The engines are GE Aviation's F414, the same ones used in the SAAB JAS 39E/F Gripen and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Martin-Baker produces the Mk.18 ejection seats.
Unlike the North American models, South Korea wants a two-seat version for pilot training and other missions. Currently the The only stealth fighter with two seats is the Chinese J-20, although Russia has ed a patent for a two-seat version of its Su-57 Felon.
Valued at US$6.1 billion, the project has progressed well, but also faces uncertainty due to the lack of payments from the government of Indonesia, project partner. Seoul agreed to pay about 60% of the project cost, with Jakarta and KAI covering about 20% each. A DAPA official said Korea and Indonesia are negotiating for Jakarta to come up with an updated payment plan.
