South Korea joins the ‘big boys’ with rollout of KF-21
The first KF-21 Boramae prototype is rolled out. (DAPA)
South Korea's project to create an affordable but capable modern fighter still appears to be on track, as the first prototype is rolled out.
Six years after launching the programme, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) rolled out a prototype of its KF-21 Boramae fighter on 9 April. KF-21 is the new name for what was previously referred to as the KF-X, and Boramae refers to a falconer-trained hawk that is less than a year old.
Befitting the occasion, as South Korea entered the select ranks of those nations able to design a modern supersonic fighter, President Moon Jae officiated at the ceremony at KAI’s headquarters in Sacheon.
‘We’ve got our own supersonic fighter jet finally. We have opened a new era of self-defence and
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon]()
EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon
The consortium has given details on the next-generation of sensing and jamming capabilities on the Eurofighter Typhoon without needing to update the airframe, according to the group’s partners.
-
![Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets]()
Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets
The Romanian government has formalised a deal to purchase 32 F-35A aircraft from the US. The jets will not be expected to be operational in Romania until 2030.
-
![US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets]()
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
