South Korea’s ambitious indigenous defense program has taken another significant leap forward, with Korea Aerospace Industries Co. (KAI) securing a second production contract to build 20 additional KF-21 Boramae fighter jets. This latest agreement, valued at 2.39 trillion won ($1.76 billion) and including crucial logistics support, underscores Seoul’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its air defense capabilities and fostering a self-reliant aerospace industry.
This new contract follows an initial order placed in June 2024 for the first batch of 20 aircraft, bringing the total confirmed acquisition to 40 KF-21s. KAI anticipates commencing deliveries of the first fighters to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) in the latter half of 2026, with all 40 jets expected to be in service by 2028. The KF-21 program, launched in 2015 as a joint venture with Indonesia, aims to develop a supersonic fighter designed to replace South Korea’s aging F-4 and F-5 fleets, thereby significantly enhancing both air superiority and strike capabilities.
The KF-21 Boramae is often characterized as a “4.5-generation” fighter, adeptly bridging the gap between current fourth-generation aircraft and more advanced fifth-generation stealth platforms. Its design incorporates stealth-reducing features, balancing advanced capabilities with affordability, a key factor in its appeal. Six prototypes have been rigorously undergoing flight tests since July 2022, systematically validating the aircraft’s performance and ensuring its readiness for operational deployment.
South Korea’s substantial investment in the KF-21 aligns with its broader long-term defense strategy to not only secure its advanced airpower assets but also establish itself as a formidable player in the global defense export market. The Boramae has already garnered significant international interest from nations such as Poland, Peru, and the United Arab Emirates, positioning it as a compelling and cost-effective alternative to more expensive Western fifth-generation fighter platforms. This latest procurement solidifies the KF-21’s trajectory towards becoming a cornerstone of South Korea’s national defense and a flagship product of its burgeoning aerospace industry.