South Korea Expands KF-21 Boramae Fighter Jet Lineup

3 months ago Editor

South Korea is advancing its airpower with three new KF-21 Boramae fighter jet variants: the electronic warfare-focused KF-21EA, the stealth-enhanced KF-21EX, and the export-tailored KF-21SA.

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is developing three new variants of its next-generation fighter jet, the KF-21 Boramae (Hawk), aiming to enhance South Korea’s airpower and tap into the global arms market. The variants—KF-21EA, KF-21EX, and KF-21SA—are tailored to different operational needs and export potential.

The KF-21EA, based on the two-seat KF-21B, includes a dedicated Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) station in a modified rear cockpit. This variant is equipped with two Electronic Intelligence (ESM) devices and three Electronic Attack (EA) devices, enabling it to disrupt enemy air defense systems. It will also be armed with anti-radiation missiles for the suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) missions, similar to the US Navy EA-18G Growler.

Aiming to rival fifth-generation fighter jets, the KF-21EX features an internal weapon bay (IWB) to reduce radar signature and achieve stealth characteristics. The IWB can house four Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles or eight smaller air-to-ground munitions. This variant will be integral to the Next Air Combat System (NACS), leveraging unmanned aerial vehicles and satellite data links for enhanced capabilities.

The third variant, KF-21SA, is designed for export customers. While retaining the base specifications of the ROKAF variant, it allows customization of weapons and internal equipment to meet individual country requirements. Current negotiations with potential buyers like Indonesia indicate strong interest, although final configurations are yet to be determined.

Despite the ambitious plans, significant hurdles remain. Basic research on development feasibility has just begun, and it will take over a decade to receive detailed designs and development costs for full-scale development, according to Kim Min-seok of the Korea Defense Security Forum. The KF-21EX, in particular, faces challenges due to its fifth-generation performance goals and the competitive market for existing fourth-generation fighters.

Concerns about technology security have also arisen, particularly involving Indonesia. Allegations of Indonesian engineers stealing significant KF-21 technologies could impact joint development. While South Korea can continue development independently, losing Indonesia’s planned purchase of 48 KF-21 aircraft could affect the program’s foothold in the Southeast Asian defense market.

The KF-21 Boramae successfully conducted its first flight on July 19, 2022. Designed as a “4.5+” generation fighter, it aims to be highly capable with a “stealthy” low-RCS design. Larger and more capable than the latest F-16V, the KF-21 is set to replace the dated McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and Northrop F-5 fighter jets in ROKAF service. Mass production of the baseline KF-21 is slated to begin in 2026.