Role Block 1: Air superiority fighter Block 2: Multirole combat aircraft, air superiority fighter
National origin South Korea / Indonesia
Manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries / Indonesian Aerospace
Design group Agency for Defense Development
First flight 19 July 2022
Introduction 2026 (planned)
Primary users Republic of Korea Air Force (intended)
Indonesian Air Force (intended)
The initial goal for the program was to develop a single-seat twin-engine multirole fighter with stealth capabilities exceeding both the Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon but less than those of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. The Weapon Systems Concept Development and Application Research Center of Konkuk University advised that the KF-X should be superior to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, with 50% greater combat range, 34% longer airframe lifespan, better avionics, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, more-effective electronic warfare, and data link capabilities. Their recommendations also specified approximately 50,000 pounds-force (220,000 N) of thrust from two engines, supersonic interception and cruising capabilities, and multi-role capabilities. The project requirements were later downgraded by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) to a 4.5 generation fighter with limited stealth capabilities.
The initial goal for the program was to develop a single-seat twin-engine multirole fighter with stealth capabilities exceeding both the Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon but less than those of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. The Weapon Systems Concept Development and Application Research Center of Konkuk University advised that the KF-X should be superior to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, with 50% greater combat range, 34% longer airframe lifespan, better avionics, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, more-effective electronic warfare, and data link capabilities. Their recommendations also specified approximately 50,000 pounds-force (220,000 N) of thrust from two engines, supersonic interception and cruising capabilities, and multi-role capabilities. The project requirements were later downgraded by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) to a 4.5 generation fighter with limited stealth capabilitiesCeiling
Weight
Aircraft Speed
Max Crew
In what would prove to be yet another step in the process toward deepening Poland-South Korea defense ties, the Polish government is looking to join South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae combat aircraft program.
Furthermore, the project would deliver a capable fighter jet that would complement the French Rafale fighters, bolstering the country’s security.
With the emergence of near-peer adversaries and the ever-increasing cost of tactical aircraft acquisition costs, Read more
