(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has reportedly proposed selling its domestically developed 4.5-generation fighter jet, the KF-21 Boramae, to Saudi Arabia.
According to foreign media reports, KAI recently conducted a presentation for Saudi officials regarding the potential sale of the KF-21 fighter jet.
A defense industry official confirmed the foreign media reports, stating, “I understand that the reports are accurate.”
Industry analysts highlight that one of the key advantages of the KF-21, currently under development by KAI, is its compatibility with American and European weapon systems already in use by the Saudi military.
This interoperability provides the Royal Saudi Air Force with greater operational flexibility.
Additionally, the Royal Saudi Air Force is actively seeking new fighter jets to bolster its fleet.
KF-21 “Boramae”
Most recently, Saudi Arabia has reportedly been considering acquiring approximately 100 units of the fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet, which is being developed by Türkiye.
The proposed acquisition of the KAAN fighter jets was reportedly discussed during a recent visit by Royal Saudi Air Force Commander Prince Turki bin Bandar Al Saud to Türkiye.
During his visit, Prince Turki held discussions with Turkish defense companies, including Roketsan, Aselsan, and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the manufacturer of the KAAN fighter jet.
“Prince Turki’s visit to Türkiye provided him and the Saudi delegation with the latest updates on the capabilities of the KAAN fighter jet, as well as discussions on potential strategic cooperation between the two countries regarding the fifth-generation aircraft,” according to international defense media reports.
The proposed acquisition aligns with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye’s broader objective of strengthening defense ties between the two regional powers.
Rafale M (Marine)
In addition to the KAAN, Saudi Arabia is also reportedly considering the purchase of 54 Rafale fighter jets.
If finalized, this would mark the country’s first acquisition of French fighter jets, following in the footsteps of regional neighbors such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman, and Egypt.
According to the French weekly newspaper Le Tribune, Saudi Arabia has officially requested pricing details from Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale jets.
Previously, Le Tribune reported that Saudi Arabia was considering acquiring between 100 and 200 Rafale jets, which are already in service with several neighboring Arab nations.
Beyond the Rafale, Saudi Arabia has also been offered the Eurofighter Typhoon by a European consortium and the F-15EX by Boeing.
The proposed sale of 48 Eurofighter Typhoons to Riyadh previously faced challenges after Germany imposed a ban on arms exports to Saudi Arabia in 2018 following the abduction and murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
However, Germany has since lifted its objection to the sale of the Eurofighter Typhoon to Saudi Arabia.
“KAAN”
Last week, South Korean Air Force Chief of Staff General Lee Young-su conducted his first test flight in the 4.5-generation KF-21 Boramae fighter jet.
The aircraft is currently in the final stages of development before officially joining the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) next year.
The KF-21 will replace the aging F-4 Phantom and F-5 fighter jets in ROKAF’s inventory.
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) began production of the first batch of 20 KF-21 Boramae fighter jets last year, with plans for the aircraft to commence operations with ROKAF starting next year.
A USD 1.41 billion (RM 6.65 billion) contract for the construction of 20 KF-21 Block 10 aircraft was signed last year between KAI and South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
“Under the agreement, KAI will manufacture 20 units of the fighter jet while also providing logistics support, technical manuals, and training. The aircraft are expected to enter service with ROKAF by the end of 2026.”
