(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The KF-21 “Boramae” fighter jet, currently under development by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), is more appropriately categorized as a 4.9-generation fighter due to its advanced technology and performance, which are closer to fifth-generation fighters compared to 4.5-generation fighters.
In an interview with a Korean-language newspaper, KAI’s CEO Kang Goo Young stated that the KF-21 outperforms current 4.5-generation fighters such as the Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
“Classifying the KF-21 ‘Boramae’ as a 4.5-generation fighter undermines its capabilities. Compared to 4.5-generation fighters like the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, its performance is significantly superior,” he said.
“Therefore, I consider it a 4.9-generation fighter, closer to the fifth generation in terms of performance and capabilities.”
Kang highlighted the Radar Cross Section (RCS) capabilities of the KF-21, developed by KAI, which are superior to its competitors, placing it on par with fifth-generation fighters.
The KF-21’s RCS is significantly lower than its competitors, making it more difficult for enemy radars to detect.
KAI positions the KF-21 to compete with current market fighters like the F-16, Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and the F-15.
Kang noted that the KF-21 stands out from its competitors due to its development using Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies, including advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data.
He also mentioned that competitors like the Rafale and F-16 were originally third-generation fighters upgraded to 4.5-generation.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon, developed by Lockheed Martin, first flew in 1974, nearly 50 years ago, while the Rafale, developed by Dassault Aviation, first flew in 1986, about 38 years ago.
In contrast, the KF-21 “Boramae” had its maiden flight just two years ago.
“The KF-21 fighter will evolve into a fifth-generation fighter and potentially advance to a sixth-generation fighter,” Kang said.
The KF-21 will be equipped with an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar and various modern systems and sensors, aligning with the latest technologies like AI and more.
Another advantage of the KF-21 is its cost, estimated to be 30 to 40 percent cheaper than its competitors, with ongoing efforts to reduce costs further through automation processes in its development.
The first prototype of the KF-21 successfully made its maiden flight in 2022, and since then, it has begun approximately 2,000 test flights to evaluate various systems and components.
The KF-21 development program is reported to be 80 percent complete.
KAI will build the first batch of 20 4.5-generation KF-21 “Boramae” fighters, enabling them to operate for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) by 2026.
The construction contract for 20 KF-21 Block 10 fighters, valued at USD 1.41 billion (RM 6.65 billion), was recently signed between KAI and South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
KAI plans to supply 20 KF-21 Block 1 fighters designed for air-to-air missions in 2026, followed by 80 Block 2 fighters for air-to-ground missions in the next phase.
The South Korean aerospace giant also aims to start exporting the KF-21 “Boramae” to interested customers.
KAI has identified several countries as potential customers for the KF-21, particularly those already operating the FA-50/T-50 light fighter jets, such as Thailand, the Philippines, Iraq, Poland, and Malaysia.
With an estimated unit price of USD 65 million (RM 306 million), as reported by international defense media, the KF-21 (possibly Block 10) is priced lower than other 4.5-generation fighters like the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon.– DSA