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How KF-21 Boramae Solidifies South Korea’s Strategic Autonomy and Global Influence.
In November 2024, Hanwha Aerospace, a key player in South Korea's defense industry, announced the signing of a 300 million dollar contract with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the supply of essential components for the KF-21 Boramae program. The contract includes domestically developed parts such as the auxiliary power unit (APU) and components for the fuel, propulsion, and landing systems. Additionally, Hanwha Aerospace had previously secured a separate contract in June with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to provide aircraft engines for the same program.
the KF-21 achieves a maximum speed of Mach 1.81 and can carry up to 7,700 kilograms of payload across ten hardpoints, enabling it to deploy a variety of missiles and bombs (Picture source: DAPA)
The KF-21 Boramae, a product of South Korea's domestic expertise, is intended to replace the aging fleet of F-4E Phantom II aircraft operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF). The F-4E fleet was officially retired during a ceremony held at Suwon Air Base on June 7, 2024, marking the end of 55 years of Phantom operations within the RoKAF. At its peak, the RoKAF operated approximately 220 Phantoms across three variants: the F-4D, RF-4C, and F-4E. Most of these aircraft were sourced from the U.S. Air Force (USAF), with two batches of F-4Es acquired under the Peace Pheasant I and II Foreign Military Sales programs.
The development of the KF-21 represents a major milestone in modernizing South Korea's air force. In June 2023, DAPA announced that the program had passed a provisional combat suitability evaluation, paving the way for the initial production of these new aircraft. This critical milestone followed two years of rigorous ground and flight testing after the rollout of the first prototype in April 2021 and its maiden flight in July 2022. According to DAPA, the achievement will enable the establishment of the infrastructure required for initial production.
Since the program's inception, KAI has demonstrated steady progress, including successful weapons release and firing tests conducted in March and April 2023. These advancements underscore South Korea's ambition to become a prominent player in the military aviation sector while reinforcing its technological independence.
The KF-21 Boramae stands out from its competitors due to several key features. While incorporating certain stealth technologies, it carries its weapons on external hardpoints, unlike fifth-generation fighters such as the F-35 Lightning II, which employ internal bays to minimize radar signatures. This design classifies the KF-21 as a 4.5-generation fighter, offering a compromise between advanced capabilities and cost efficiency.
In terms of performance, the KF-21 achieves a maximum speed of Mach 1.81 and can carry up to 7,700 kilograms of payload across ten hardpoints, enabling it to deploy a variety of missiles and bombs. Its range, estimated at approximately 1,000 kilometers, positions it as a competitive alternative to aircraft like the French Rafale or the Eurofighter Typhoon. Additionally, its development involves international collaboration, particularly with Indonesia, demonstrating a strategic approach to enhancing domestic capabilities while targeting export markets.
The KF-21 program holds strategic importance for South Korea, both in bolstering its national defense capabilities and advancing its international ambitions. Militarily, this 4.5-generation aircraft is designed to replace aging platforms such as the F-4 Phantom II and F-5E/F Tiger II, while addressing growing regional security challenges. The use of indigenous technologies, accounting for approximately 65% of the components, significantly reduces reliance on foreign suppliers, enhancing the country’s strategic autonomy.
Commercially, the KF-21 represents a significant asset for South Korea's export aspirations in the defense sector. By collaborating with international partners such as Indonesia, Seoul aims to penetrate emerging markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, offering a cost-competitive alternative to more expensive Western fighters. Discussions have already taken place with nations like the Philippines, underscoring South Korea's commitment to establishing a foothold in the global defense market. If successful, the KF-21 program could solidify South Korea's position among the world’s leading arms exporters, while stimulating its domestic aerospace industry and strengthening diplomatic relations with importing countries.