KF-21 Boramae Nears Completion: A Game-Changer Set to Join ROKAF Next Year

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) –Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) Chief of Staff, Gen. Lee Young-su piloted his maiden test flight aboard the KF-21 Boramae—a cutting-edge 4.5-generation fighter jet now in its crucial final phase of development.

With its official induction into ROKAF slated for next year, the KF-21 marks a new era in South Korea’s air combat capabilities.

Set to take over from the aging F-4 Phantom and F-5 fighter jets, the KF-21 stands on the brink of transforming ROKAF’s aerial dominance.

With cutting-edge technology and unmatched capabilities, this next-generation fighter jet is primed to redefine South Korea’s military might and solidify its place among the world’s most formidable air forces.

According to an official statement from ROKAF, Lee piloted the fighter jet from Sacheon Air Base, reaching speeds of 1,000 km/h at an altitude of 4,500 meters over South Korean waters. A ROKAF F-16 fighter jet accompanied the KF-21 during the test flight.

During the mission, ROKAF’s top commander assessed the aircraft’s stability in aerial operations and evaluated its interoperability with the KF-16, one of the air force’s primary fighter jets.

“In terms of power, maneuverability, avionics, and weapon capabilities, I am confident that the KF-21 stands on par with world-class fighter jets,” Lee stated following the flight.

With the KF-21, South Korea is poised to join an elite group of nations—including the United States and Russia—that have successfully developed their own supersonic fighter jets.

“The KF-21 will enhance the value of South Korea’s defense industry and establish itself as a premier fighter aircraft,” Lee added.

He also highlighted the capabilities of the aircraft’s Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, emphasizing its precision and situational awareness on the battlefield.

“As soon as I took off, I was able to detect and track both nearby and distant targets simultaneously on the cockpit display. The radar’s accuracy and battlefield awareness capabilities are on a completely different level compared to anything I have previously experienced,” he said.

A seasoned pilot with over 2,800 flight hours, Lee has flown ROKAF’s primary fighter jets, including the F-5, F-16, and F-15K.

South Korea’s leading aerospace firm, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), has officially begun production of the first 20 KF-21 Boramae fighter jets, marking a critical step toward their deployment with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) next year.

The USD 1.41 billion (RM6.65 billion) contract for the initial batch of KF-21 Block 10 jets was finalized last year in an agreement between KAI and South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), underscoring the nation’s commitment to advancing its air combat capabilities.

“Under the agreement, KAI will manufacture 20 units of the fighter jet while providing logistical support, technical manuals, and training. The aircraft are expected to enter service with ROKAF by late 2026.”

Though officially classified as a 4.5-generation fighter, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) asserts that the KF-21 comes closer to a 4.9-generation aircraft, reflecting its advanced capabilities and cutting-edge technology.

The first batch of 20 KF-21 fighters, slated to enter service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) next year, will be equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar developed by Hanwha Systems and powered by General Electric F414-GE-400 engines supplied by Hanwha Aerospace.

ROKAF has ambitious plans to field between 100 and 120 KF-21 Boramae jets by 2032, phasing out its aging fleet of F-4 Phantoms and F-5s.

Designed to become the backbone of South Korea’s air force, the KF-21 is expected to play a decisive role in any future conflict on the Korean Peninsula.

The prototype successfully completed its maiden flight in 2022 and has since logged approximately 2,000 test flights, undergoing rigorous evaluations to validate its various systems and components.

Initiated in 2015, the KF-21 program carries an estimated development cost of USD 6.59 billion (RM26.36 billion).

KAI aims to deliver 20 Block 1 aircraft, optimized for air-to-air missions, by 2026, with an additional 80 Block 2 jets—equipped for air-to-ground operations—following in the next phase.

Beyond its domestic role, the KF-21 is also positioned for the export market, with KAI actively courting international buyers.

The company has identified potential customers, particularly nations already operating the FA-50/T-50 light fighter jet, including Thailand, the Philippines, Iraq, Poland, and Malaysia.

At an estimated price of USD 65 million (RM306 million) per unit, according to international defense analysts, the KF-21—likely the Block 10 variant—offers a more cost-effective alternative to other 4.5-generation fighters such as the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, making it a competitive option for air forces seeking high-performance yet affordable next-generation combat aircraft.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA