South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) have announced that the first production model of the 4++ generation KF-21 Boramae fighter jet (with “Boramae” translating to “Hawk” in Korean) has entered its final assembly stage.
The announcement comes a decade after South Korea launched its program to develop and build a homegrown supersonic fighter designed to replace its aging F-4 Phantom and F-5 Tiger II aircraft. While serial production officially began in July of last year, the final assembly phase marks the point at which all components of the first aircraft are now being integrated.
“Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our researchers and developers, we’ve reached this historic milestone — the start of final assembly for the KF-21, which will shape the future of the Republic of Korea Air Force,” said Chung Kyu-hon, head of DAPA’s Future Power business division.
DAPA has not specified exactly when the aircraft’s production will be completed, but the first serial KF-21 is expected to be delivered to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) in 2026. It will be the first of 20 new fighters included in a \$1.41 billion contract signed between KAI and DAPA in June 2024. Another 12 aircraft are currently at various stages of production. In total, ROKAF plans to acquire 120 KF-21 units by 2032.
The first prototype was unveiled on April 9, 2021. The aircraft is positioned as a more affordable and lower-profile alternative to the American F-35. According to the description on KAI’s official website, it is:
“KF-21 is a fighter jet developed to maintain the operational capability of the Republic of Korea Air Force and to meet the future concept of battlefield combat as a multirole fighter. It offers enhanced survivability, support systems and logistics, supports combined/joint operations, and provides air superiority as well as the ability to deliver precision ground strikes.”
KF-21 is reported to have a flight range of 2,870 kilometers and a maximum takeoff weight of 56,400 pounds, with 17,000 pounds allocated for payload. It is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K turbofan engines and is expected to reach a maximum speed of approximately 2,200 km/h. The aircraft completed its maiden flight on July 19, 2022.
Though officially classified as a 4.5-generation fighter, the KF-21 bears a strong resemblance to 5th-generation designs. Its curved tail and overall nose profile are notably similar to those of the F-22 Raptor. Additionally, it features a gun mounted above the left air intake, akin to the F-35A. Around 65% of the aircraft’s technologies and components are of South Korean origin, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. However, it will also carry European-made weapons such as the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), the IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile, and, in the future, Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles.
KAI is already considering potential export contracts for the KF-21. Among the countries that may be offered the aircraft are Peru, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates.
Source: theaviationist
