The wait is over.
The KF-21 Boramae fighter jet, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and one of the most eye-catching symbols of South Korea’s rapidly growing domestic defence industry, is at ADEX 2023. Do not be surprised if the jet ends up attracting the most attention among all the products and capabilities being showcased at the show.
KF-21’s public debut comes at a time when the United Arab Emirates has expressed interest in joining the combat jet development programme. Indonesia is a partner and is picking up 20 per cent of the developmental costs, but delayed payments from Jakarta has led to concerns about its continued involvement in the program.
Reports indicate that Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), may be one of the high-profile visitors to the show. It may be recalled that the UAE had promised to invest US$30 billion in South Korean industries such as defence, nuclear power, hydrogen and solar energy.
The KF-21, a ‘4.5-generation’ multirole platform, is slated to replace the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF)’s ageing fleet of F-4D/E Phantom II and F-5E/F Tiger II aircraft. The service is likely to acquire 40 KF-21s by 2028 and another 80 aircraft of the type by 2032. The twin-engine jets will come in single- and two-seat versions.
In April 2021, KAI unveiled the first KF-21 prototype. The homegrown supersonic fighter jet flew for the first time in July last year. KAI’s fleet of six KF-21 prototypes are scheduled to conduct more than 2,000 test flights until 2026, when mass production of Block 1 for the ROKAF is expected to commence. As per reports, the 40 Block 1 jets will be integrated with Diehl Defense AIM-2000 (IRIS-T), Meteor, JDAM, LJDAM and the locally developed KGGB guided bomb. The initial production aircraft will be optimised for air-to-air combat and will have limited air-to-ground capabilities. Eighty Blk. 2 jets with full air-to-ground capability will be delivered from 2028.
According to reports, the service is also considering a Block 3 variant, one with stealth and joint-operation capability as well as an enlarged fuselage that could include an internal weapons bay. The Korean military also has plans to place hypersonic missiles, which are currently in development, on the combat jet.
The KF-21 can carry beyond-visual-range missiles, air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, and precision-guided munitions. The jet’s operational range, estimated to be around 1,800 miles, allows it to conduct long-range missions and perform air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions effectively.
In April this year, the country’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that KAI had successfully test-fired an AIM-2000 InfraRed Imaging System-Tail control (IRIS-T) missile from the KF-21. In March, the company launched the Meteor air-to-air missile from the fighter jet.
The KF-21 further opens export possibilities for the South Korean defence industry. Even though it lacks the stealth qualities of the F-35, the aircraft is expected to be considerably less expensive than the U.S.-made jet and will be an attractive proposition for countries such as Thailand, the Philippines and Iraq that already are operating the indigenously developed FA-50 light-attack fighter.
According to reports, Poland, which signed tank and howitzer contracts worth US$5.8 billion with two South Korean companies, is considering the KF-21 as an option for its planned purchase of multi-role combat aircraft to secure the eastern flank of NATO. In September last year, the European nation had signed a US$2.3 billion contract to buy 48 FA-50 light combat aircraft manufactured by KAI.
Malaysian defense company, Deftech, displayed a range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) intheir booth during the DSA 2022 expo. The…
Airbus has performed a first A380 flight powered by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus’ A380 test aircraft MSN 1…
Cargojet has entered into a five-year strategic agreement with DHL, with a renewal option for an additional two years, to…
The Icelandic airline Eagle Air and the German aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft have announced a renewal of their support contract…
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UPNM Malaysia for collaboration and training of faculty…
Meopta is displaying a wide range of military-grade optical gun sights, scopes, and night vision equipment at the Defense Services…
After signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia’s G7 Aerospace at DSA 2022 event on Monday (Mar. 28), Infoglobal…
Insight Atlantic, a Malaysian defense equipment supplier, is displaying a range of made-in Germany, Lowa tactical footwear in its booth…
PAL Aerospace and Thales have signed an agreement to jointly develop the next generation of mission system during the DSA…
Airod Techno Power (ATP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Honeywell International to provide Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)…
Advanced Defence Systems (ADS) has signed an MoU with Nexter on the third day of the DSA 2022 event, Wednesday…
In a public announcement released by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on Wednesday (Mar. 30), there have been 54…
Sikorsky and Boeing on Thursday announced six new members, including Magnaghi Aeronautica and Collins Aerospace, of Team DEFIANT. The suppliers…
MA Group will provide the fully integrated landing gear system for the DEFIANT X helicopter, consisting of the nose and…
After spending about US$7.4 million on the project, the Australian government has cancelled its Project Air 7003, a program that…
AerCap has signed lease agreements for ten new Airbus A320neo aircraft and two new Airbus A330neo aircraft with ITA Airways.…
A routine service test for an Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft on April 1 has ended with a surprising result. …
Malaysia-based DefTech and Iveco Defence Vehicles are joining hands to establish an authorised MRO centre for Iveco Defence Vehicles trucks…
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has begun the first installation of factory upgrades to a Gray Eagle-Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned…
FL Technics has launched a dedicated business line for wheels and brakes maintenance and opened a specialized shop at the…
ScioTeq has launched RDU-4208 LAD, its new full redundant Large Area Display (LAD) that can be deployed in new cockpits…
Etihad Airways, on March 31st., 2022, unveiled its new Airbus A350-1000, registration A6-XWB, on a special inaugural commercial flight from…
RGA-Black Stone Airlines, a newcomer in the Indonesian aviation business, officially started its business in the country after having its…
SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) announced that it has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Impeccable Vintage Properties…
Honeywell has signed separate MOUs with Malaysian firms Airod Techno Power (ATP) and Galaxy Aerospace that will further strengthen the…
AirAsia has announced that it will resume international flights from India to Malaysia and Thailand. Flights are now available from…
Embraer and the Brazilian Army have inked a contract to develop and implement Phase Two of the Army's Strategic Program…
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially inducted two Turkish-made T129B ATAK attack helicopters and an Airbus Defense and Space C-295…
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has been selected to support the Japan Coast Guard's (JCG) RPAS Project. Operations will…
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) S26T submarine acquisition project from China is at risk of cancellation due to Germany’s refusal…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2023. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2024 GBP all rights reserved.