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KF-21 Boramae Fighter Jet

KF-21 Boramae Fighter Jet

KF-21 Boramae Fighter Jet Official Imges

Brand: KAI (Korea Aerospace Industries)
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4.5 (Blocks I/II)
Maximum Speed Mach 1.81
No. of Engines 2
Radar Range 150-200 km

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	KF-21 Boramae
Manufacturer	Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)
Country of Origin	South Korea
Type / Role	Multirole fighter
Generation	4.5 (evolving to 5th-gen)
Status	In serial production (since 2024)
First Flight	19 July 2022
Introduction / In Service Since	Planned 2026
Number Built	6 prototypes; 40+ on order
Operators	ROKAF (planned); Indonesia (planned)

Dimensions & Structure

Length	16.9 m (55 ft 5 in)
Wingspan	11.2 m (36 ft 9 in)
Height	4.7 m (15 ft 5 in)
Wing Area	46.5 m² (500 sq ft)
Empty Weight	11,800 kg (26,000 lb)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	25,600 kg (56,400 lb)
Internal Weapons Bay	Planned (Block III)
External Hardpoints	10

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.81 (2,200 km/h)
Range	2,900 km (ferry)
Combat Radius	~1,000 km
Service Ceiling	16,764 m (55,000 ft)
Rate of Climb	304 m/s (60,000 ft/min)
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	0.76
G Limits	+9 / -3.6

Powerplant

Engine Type	General Electric F414-GE-400K turbofan
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	97.9 kN (22,000 lbf) with afterburner
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	5,400-6,000 kg internal

Armament

Gun	20 mm cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	Meteor, IRIS-T, AIM-120 (planned)
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	AGM-84 Harpoon, various (planned)
Bombs	JDAM, precision-guided munitions
Hardpoints	10
Payload Capacity	7,700 kg (17,000 lb)

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Hanwha Systems APY-016K AESA
Radar Range	150-200 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	LIG Nex1 integrated suite
Targeting System	Hanwha EO TGP
Helmet Display	Integrated HMD
Navigation	INS/GPS with terrain-following
Autopilot / AI Assistance	AI mission computer (planned Block III)
Communication	Secure data link for network-centric ops

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	~1 m² (semi-stealth)
Stealth Features	RAM, partially recessed weapons
Infrared Signature Reduction	Engine exhaust shaping
Sensor Fusion	Integrated multi-sensor processing
Networking Capabilities	Data link for coalition interoperability

Variants

Special Export Versions

Customized avionics and weapons fit

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	None (testing phase)
Notable Operators	South Korea
Combat Proven?	No
Mission Types	Air defense, strike, multirole

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	$65–70 million (estimated)
Development Cost	~$8 billion
Program Name	KF-X Program
Funding Countries	South Korea, Indonesia

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Thrust vectoring, internal bay (Block II/III)
Future Replacement	F-4E/F-5 fleet
Export Restrictions	Subject to U.S. tech export controls
Notable Achievements	South Korea’s first indigenous fighter
Competitors	Gripen E, Rafale, F-16V

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Modern AESA radar and advanced EW suite
Multirole flexibility for diverse missions
Lower operational costs than F-35
Modular design for upgrades and export variants
Domestic and allied technology cooperation

CONS

Partial stealth capability only
Limited combat record (new platform)
Dependent on imported F414 engines
Development delays due to cost-sharing disputes
Export market competition from Gripen and Rafale

KF-21 Boramae: South Korea’s 4.5-Generation Multirole Fighter

In an era where aerial dominance hinges on agility, stealth, and networked precision, the KF-21 Boramae Fighter Jet emerges as a pivotal advancement in multirole fighter technology. Developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) under the KF-X program, this 4.5-generation aircraft—named after a hawk-like bird of prey—represents South Korea’s push toward indigenous defense capabilities, reducing reliance on foreign imports while enhancing regional security partnerships.

Originating from a 2010 collaboration between South Korea and Indonesia, the KF-21 addresses the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) need to phase out aging F-4 Phantoms and F-5 Tigers. Its primary role spans air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance, with modular blocks allowing evolution into a full 5th-generation platform. Block I focuses on intercept missions, while Blocks II and III incorporate strike and stealth enhancements, including internal weapons bays.

Key capabilities shine through its performance envelope: a maximum speed of Mach 1.81 (2,200 km/h) enables supercruise for fuel-efficient pursuits, backed by a 2,900 km ferry range and approximately 1,000 km combat radius. Powered by twin General Electric F414 turbofans, it delivers 195.8 kN of thrust for a thrust-to-weight ratio near 0.76, supporting +9g maneuvers. Armament includes a 20mm cannon, up to 10 external hardpoints for 7,700 kg payload, and compatibility with MBDA Meteor air-to-air missiles, IRIS-T short-range interceptors, and precision-guided bombs like JDAMs.

Technologically, the Hanwha Systems APY-016K AESA radar offers 150-200 km detection, tracking 20 targets simultaneously, augmented by an integrated LIG Nex1 electronic warfare suite and Leonardo IRST for passive targeting. Semi-stealth features reduce radar cross-section to about 1 m² via radar-absorbent materials and weapon shaping, with infrared suppression minimizing detection. Sensor fusion and secure data links enable network-centric operations, vital for U.S.-led coalitions in the Indo-Pacific.

Operational testing since its 2022 maiden flight has validated supersonic dashes, night refueling, and live-fire integrations, with serial production underway for 2026 ROKAF entry. For U.S. audiences eyeing allied interoperability, the KF-21’s F-414 engines and NATO-standard weapons ensure seamless integration, positioning it as a cost-effective bridge to 5th-gen fighters like the F-35.

Variants

Field	Example
Block I	Air superiority (ROKAF initial)
Block II	Multirole strike (enhanced A2G)
Block III	Stealth multirole (internal bays)
KF-21EX	Export stealth variant

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