(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — South Korea has announced a 4.2 percent increase in defense budget to USD 50.2 billion (RM225 billion) this year, which includes provisions for the commencement of mass production of the 4.5th generation fighter aircraft KF-21 “Boramae.”
The development of the KF-21 fighter aircraft, undertaken by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), plays a crucial role in South Korea’s defense strategy.
The East Asian nation aims to ensure the large-scale production of the KF-21 fighter aircraft this year to prevent a “capability gap” as aging fighters like the F-4 Phantom and F-5 are phased out.
The domestically developed 4.5th generation fighter aircraft, KF-21 “Boramae,” has successfully passed all specialized technical tests, allowing for its extensive production this year.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) of South Korea stated that the KF-21 had passed the “Provisional Combat Suitability Evaluation” technical test, paving the way for mass production in the current year.
The approval follows hundreds of flight tests conducted in the air and on the ground since the introduction of the first KF-21 prototype to the public in April of the previous year.
Various technical tests on the prototype involved approximately 200 test flights to evaluate 260 components and systems, including speed, combat operational range, takeoff and landing distances.
KAI has developed six KF-21 prototype aircraft, which are scheduled to undergo 2,200 test flights until 2026 to confirm the technical capabilities of the aircraft.
Launched in 2015, the KF-21 development program is estimated to cost USD 6.59 billion, aiming to replace the aging supersonic fighter aircraft in the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), such as the F-4 Phantom and F-5.
KAI plans to supply 40 KF-21 Block 1 aircraft designed for air-to-air missions by 2028, followed by 80 Block 2 aircraft for air-to-ground missions by 2030.
South Korea’s aerospace giant is also reportedly eager to begin exporting the KF-21 “Boramae” fighter aircraft to interested customers starting in 2028.
KAI has identified several potential customer countries, particularly those already using light fighter aircraft like the FA-50/T-50, such as Thailand, the Philippines, Iraq, and Poland.
Considering that the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is set to utilize the FA-50 Block 20, KAI views it as a potential customer for the 4.5th generation KF-21 fighter aircraft.
President and CEO of KAI, Kang Goo-Young, stated in a recent interview during LIMA 2023 that the KF-21 fighter aircraft is an “ideal fit” for the RMAF.
He believes the KF-21 is more than capable of replacing the F/A-18D and Sukhoi Su-30MKM, which are slated for decommissioning by the RMAF in 2035 and 2040, as outlined in the Capability 2055 (CAP 55) program.
“I believe, indeed, that the KF-21 aircraft is more than likely capable of replacing them (F/A-18D and Su-30MKM) because the retirement timelines for both aircraft are nearly concurrent with the commencement of operations for the KF-21,” he stated in the interview.
With a combination of FA-50 and KF-21, the RMAF, according to Kang Goo-Young, will possess a highly strategic and tactical air defense system.
He emphasized that the KF-21, being a 4.5th generation fighter, will also have a platform upgradeable to the 5th generation and potentially to the 6th generation in the future.
Hence, he believes the KF-21 fighter aircraft is exceptionally well-suited for the RMAF.
“The KF-21 aircraft is a 4.5th generation fighter, but it will have a platform that aligns with the 5th generation, meaning it is not only a 5th generation but can be upgraded to a 6th generation fighter in the future.”
“That is why I believe that the KF-21 fighter aircraft is highly ideal for the RMAF,” he stated in the interview at LIMA 2023.
With a reported unit price of USD 65 million (RM 260 million) as stated by international defense media, the KF-21 (possibly Block 1) is priced lower than other 4.5th generation aircraft like the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon. — DSA
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