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News18
6 days ago
- News18
At Mach 1.8, South Korea's KF-21 Has Left American F-35s In The Dust
Last Updated: The KF-21 has 10 hardpoints carrying up to 7,700 kg of weapons, including AIM-120 AMRAAM, Meteor, IRIS-T missiles, JDAM bombs, anti-ship missiles and a 20mm cannon The US has long promoted its advanced F-35 fighter jet to allied nations, including India, but New Delhi has consistently shown little interest in acquiring the costly aircraft. Meanwhile, in a strategic move to counter American dominance in the defense sector, South Korea, partnering with Indonesia, has developed the 4.5-generation KF-21 Boramae fighter jet. Positioned as a competitor to France's Rafale, which is already a key asset in the Indian Air Force, this new aircraft marks a significant shift in the regional aerospace landscape. First Test Flight In 2022 The KF-21 Boramae is being hailed as a significant step by South Korea towards altering the military balance in Asia. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) developed the jet in partnership with Indonesia. The KF-21 Boramae is a modern 4.5 generation multi-role fighter jet designed to reduce dependence on American aircraft and bolster the domestic defence industry. The first test flight of the KF-21 took place on July 19, 2022. Capabilities And Specifications The KF-21 can establish air supremacy and accurately target ground and sea targets. The aircraft is 16.9 metres long, has a wingspan of 11.2 metres, and is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K turbofan engines, allowing it to reach a top speed of 2,200 km/h (Mach 1.81). Its range is approximately 2,900 km, with a combat radius of around 1,100 km. Stealth And Weaponry The KF-21 features 10 hardpoints, capable of carrying a payload of up to 7,700 kg. It can be equipped with advanced air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM, Meteor, and IRIS-T, as well as JDAM and Mk series bombs and anti-ship missiles. The aircraft also has a 20 mm M61A2 Vulcan cannon. Future upgrades will include an internal weapon bay and enhanced stealth features. While not entirely 'invisible' like the F-35, its design and materials significantly reduce radar detection. Projected Production Timeline The KF-21 incorporates South Korea's indigenous AESA radar, a high-tech glass cockpit, and a modern data link system. The total project cost is estimated at $7.9 billion, with each aircraft priced between $65 and $70 million. South Korea plans to induct 120 KF-21s into its air force by 2032, with around 50 aircraft to be built for Indonesia. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: August 13, 2025, 10:50 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Yahoo
South Korea's KF-21 Fighter To Get Stealthier With Internal Weapons Bays
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has provided us with a look at the future, stealthier version of its KF-21 fighter, which is now known as the KF-21EX. Concept artwork of the refined version of the jet has been released, with internal weapons carriage being its distinguishing feature. This is part of an effort to make the KF-21 more survivable in the face of ever more capable air defense systems, although the resulting aircraft will not offer the same level of low observability as the F-35, which is also operated by South Korea. The officially released computer-generated rendering from KAI shows the KF-21EX with its new, twin internal weapons bays open. The KF-21EX is shown carrying what looks like a pair of 2,000-pound-class guided bombs internally. However, there are differing reports on whether the total payload amounts to 2,000 pounds or if two such weapons can actually be accommodated. Other visible changes to the aircraft include a sensor below the nose that performs the same kinds of functions as the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) found on the F-35, as well as on various other fifth-generation fighters. The F-35's EOTS is primarily a sensor for air-to-ground targeting, but has an infrared search and track function, as well. In this case, the new EOTS may well replace the original IRST sensor mounted ahead of the KF-21's cockpit. Less obvious changes in the KF-21EX will include a reprofiled canopy, a radome with reduced radar cross-section, an upgraded electronic warfare suite, and new conformal antennas. KAI also says the jet will feature advanced situational awareness systems and undisclosed 'survivability technologies.' Possible additional options under study by KAI for the KF-21EX include an artificial intelligence-enabled mission computer and expendable digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) decoys. It's unclear to what degree the internal layout of the aircraft will have to be revised to accommodate the internal weapons bays, although a center fuselage that is deeper would seem to be a minimum requirement, and it may also be broader, too. Whatever the degree of structural changes, internal weapons carriage of this kind will provide the KF-21EX with the ability to strike targets, including hardened ones, while maintaining low observability. As we have explained previously, the original KF-21, also known as the Block 1, was not designed with a high degree of stealthiness in mind: '…The KF-21 takes a more measured approach to low-observable design and is intended to bridge the gap between the F-35 and the fourth-generation F-16, in terms of capabilities. At first, the KF-21's weapons will be carried externally, on six underwing and four under-fuselage hardpoints, unlike in the F-35 and most other next-generation fighters, which incorporate internal weapons carriage primarily to reduce their overall radar signature. Ultimately, once in service, work is expected to begin on a more advanced derivative that will have an internal weapons bay, among other new low-observable features. In this way, the initial KF-21 will likely have around the same radar cross-section as the Eurofighter Typhoon, before later enhancements reduce this significantly.' There were always plans to refine the KF-21, with the so-called Block 3 configuration expected to include a broader application of low-observable characteristics, including internal weapons carriage and a wider range of air-to-ground missions. The more advanced derivative of the aircraft is now named KF-21EX, an apparent nod to the F-15EX Eagle II, a much-modernized version of the original F-15 for the U.S. Air Force, albeit not one that has a provision for internal weapons carriage. According to KAI, the KF-21EX is primarily intended to penetrate advanced air defenses and then engage hardened ground targets, including reinforced bunkers. This is a particularly important requirement for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), the wartime targets of which would very likely include deeply buried North Korean targets, including regime and command and control infrastructure, air defense nodes, and nuclear facilities. At the same time, the problem of penetrating North Korean ground-based air defenses has increased as of late, with the arrival of advanced Russian systems. The 2,000-pound-class guided bombs that the KF-21EX will carry internally will likely be GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), which can be fitted with BLU-109 penetrating bomb bodies. Other weapons that KAI plans for internal carriage include the company's Air-Launched Effects (ALE) and the U.S.-made GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB). Air-to-air weapons are planned to include the locally made LIG Nex1 Long-Range Air-To-Air Missile (LRAAM) and the MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. The Meteor is already provided as armament for the Block 1 KF-21, as an externally mounted weapon, including examples semi-recessed under the fuselage, as seen in the graphic below. A KAI official told Aviation Week that internal weapons carriage for the KF-21EX is especially important since the 'loyal wingman'-type drone that is being developed to operate alongside it will not be able to carry munitions in the 2,000-pound class. For the KF-21EX to operate alongside 'loyal wingman' drones, KAI is developing the Performance Improvement and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) Combat System. This will include sensor fusion and secure datalinks to allow the crewed fighter to collaborate with the drones. One option might be to include this in a two-seat version of the KF-21EX, which would have the advantage of a second crewmember who could be more dedicated to the 'drone-controller' mission. The Block 1 KF-21 is already being built in two-seat form. Collectively, these jets are also known by the name Boramae, meaning 'hawk' in Korean. KAI has also outlined a particular mission scenario in which the KF-21EX will operate closely with 'loyal wingman' drones, specifically suppression or destruction of enemy air defenses. In this mission, the crewed fighter would serve as an escort jammer, presumably fitted with external jamming pods, while the drones act as stand-in jammers. The crewed and uncrewed aircraft will share real-time sensor tracks, providing for distributed targeting and threat analysis. Once again, a KF-21EX configured as an escort jammer would also benefit from having two crew members to handle such a demanding mission. As for the 'loyal wingman' drone, South Korea earlier this year unveiled the stealthy Low Observable Unmanned Wingman System, or LOWUS, which is tailored to operate alongside the KF-21. There are other options for the 'loyal wingman' as well, with Seoul working on a growing fleet of low-observable drones as the country seeks to introduce new uncrewed technologies for a range of Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Korean Air held a rollout ceremony on the 25th at the Korean Air Tech Center in Busan for the first prototype of the "Low Observable Unmanned Wingman System (LOWUS)," a core platform of the manned-unmanned teaming unmanned… — kf21_military (@fa50_defense) February 25, 2025 As we pointed out in the past, having a stealth drone available to work alongside the KF-21 would make a lot of sense, especially since the initial Block 1 iteration of the fighters lacks high-end stealth attributes. As TWZ wrote in the past: 'More generally, a stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) carrying internal weapons would be an enormous advantage to the KF-21 Block 1 or Block 2 when penetrating heavily contested airspace. This would allow the manned fighter to remain at a safer standoff distance and use its highly capable Meteor missiles and AESA radar, and infrared search and track (IRST) to pick off aerial targets. This could be done, perhaps, by targeting data received from the UCAV's own sensors without the need to use the KF-21's onboard radar at all. This concept is increasingly attractive as it could allow manned fighters to remain largely electromagnetically silent, increasing their survivability, with the drone taking on the higher-risk role as a forward sensing platform.' However, South Korea now appears to have recognized the shortcomings of drones of this kind, at least as they are currently projected, in terms of the kinds of armament they can carry. Therefore, adding internal weapons carriage to the KF-21 is seen as a prerequisite when it comes to having the ability to combine survivability with hard-hitting 'bunker-buster'-type weapons. South Korea is developing the KF-21 to replace the ROKAF's now-retired F-4E Phantom II and still-active F-5E/F Tiger II fighters. Currently, it's planned for the ROKAF to introduce 40 KF-21s by 2028 and have a full fleet of 120 aircraft deployed by 2032. It's not clear, at this stage, whether the ROKAF wants to order the KF-21EX on top of these numbers, or if it would rather switch some of the previously planned buy to the more advanced model. Aside from domestic orders, the KF-21EX could be a tempting prospect for various export customers. The possibility of offering it with a complementary 'loyal wingman' drone could make it even more attractive, provided that Seoul releases these technologies for sale to foreign customers. South Korea is an increasingly major player on the global arms market and, with its FA-50 light combat aircraft, has already won several high-profile orders. With the KF-21, South Korea has taken a different approach to developing a new-generation fighter than some other nations. With the F-35 already in ROKAF service as a high-end stealth platform, the KF-21 has always been seen as a lower-end option when it comes to low observability. At the same time, the concept has always stressed the ability to insert incremental upgrades in terms of weapons, sensors, and now, with the KF-21, an enhanced degree of stealth. Although the aircraft will still fall short of the F-35 in this respect, it offers the advantages of domestic production, a considerable degree of control over further enhancements, and the possibility of lucrative exports. Contact the author: thomas@ Solve the daily Crossword
India.com
25-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
After China and US, another country announces sixth-generation fighter jet plans including KF-21 Boramae and FA-50, share a close relation with India, the country is…
Bad news for India, China, Russia as US decides to...., Will Modi-Putin-Xi Jinping join hands against Trump? After China and the United States, now South Korea has also announced plans to join the race to build sixth-generation fighter jets. According to a top aerospace official, South Korea is getting ready to develop its own advanced warplane. At the Paris Air Show, Shin Dong-hak, who is Vice President of International Business at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), said that the technology they are working on like the 4.5-generation fighter jets and drones will eventually help them move toward building a sixth-generation fighter. China's Progress China has already started testing its sixth-generation jet, which is being called the J-36. Recently, videos on social media showed the prototype in action. Reports say the J-36 is around 22 meters long with a wingspan of about 20 meters. It is powered by three WS-10C engines. America's Fighter Jet Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the US is moving ahead with its own sixth-generation jet program by giving Boeing the contract to build it. This new jet is named the F-47. Trump called it 'the deadliest aircraft ever' and said that a test version had already been secretly flying for several years. The F-47 will be built at Boeing's manufacturing plant. South Korea's KF-21 Boramae and FA-50 At the Paris Air Show held last week, South Korea's Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) showcased its latest fighter jets. This included the KF-21 Boramae, a 4.5-generation jet developed entirely in South Korea, and the FA-50, a lightweight combat aircraft. Along with these jets, KAI also presented several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Experts believe that these fighter jets will soon be able to fly in coordination with drones. The KF-21 is expected to officially join the South Korean Air Force by the end of next year. South Korea to test multi-role combat UAV Speaking at the air show, KAI Vice President Shin Dong-hak explained, 'We are showcasing products that lay the groundwork for sixth-generation fighter capabilities.' He highlighted that UAVs are a big part of this future, and development is being steered in that direction. Shin also mentioned that the KF-21 has an edge over others in its class due to its stealth features and advanced AI co-pilot software. It can control multi-role combat UAVs during missions. KAI is planning to carry out flight tests for its new multi-role combat UAV during the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition later this year. India and South Korea: Trusted Partners India and South Korea share a strong and friendly relationship. The two countries have been working closely in various fields, including defense. Their official diplomatic ties began in 1962 and were upgraded to ambassador-level in 1973. Over the years, the partnership between India and South Korea has grown in many areas i.e. economic, cultural, political, and military. In 2010, both countries signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to boost trade and investment. Later in 2015, they took the relationship a step further by declaring it a 'Special Strategic Partnership.' In the defense sector, India has also bought the K9 Vajra howitzers from South Korea.
South China Morning Post
22-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
South Korea set to join global race to develop sixth-generation fighters
South Korea is set to become the latest country to develop a sixth-generation fighter, according to a senior aerospace executive. Advertisement Shin Dong-hak, vice-president of international business development at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), said in an interview at the Paris Air Show that the technology it was showcasing at the event – including 4.5-generation fighters and unmanned aerial vehicles – would 'ultimately' become 'key elements' of the switch to sixth-generation fighters. The country is joining a global race where footage recently released on social media suggests China may have started testing its sixth-generation prototypes Meanwhile, in the United States, US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the US will go ahead with its sixth-generation fighter programme by awarding Boeing the contract to develop the planes. Last week at the event – the world's largest and oldest air show – KAI's display included the KF-21 Boramae, its latest 4.5-generation fighter jet, FA-50 light combat aircraft and next-generation unmanned combat aircraft. Advertisement These aircraft were each accompanied by multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), suggesting it was working on crewed-uncrewed teaming – a key element of new-generation aerial warfare in which drones operate alongside piloted planes to increase their operational range and serve as a defensive shield.
The Star
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
South Korea: From arms seller to Philippines to deeper defence partner possible
MANILA: South Korea could take a step further in its growing defence ties with the Philippines and consider taking part in joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea and negotiating a possible visiting forces agreement, according to a Korean expert, adding his voice to growing calls for deeper security cooperation between the two countries. Both countries are facing hostile neighbours. Chinese vessels have rammed and used water cannons on Philippine ships and flashed military-grade lasers at Philipppine troops on several occasions, while South Korea grapples with nuclear threats from North Korea, a key ally of China. 'If China's coercive actions in the South China Sea escalate and begin to threaten the stability of South Korea's maritime trade routes, and the United States calls on South Korea to participate in joint patrols to help maintain regional stability, then South Korea would likely have no choice but to join neighbouring countries in such joint patrol operations,' Keun Sik Moon, professor at Hanyang University and former Korean navy officer, said. The Philippines has been conducting regular joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea, Manila's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, with its closest security partners US, Japan and Australia, and also with other friendly states. Manila and Seoul have upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership last year, including broader defence and security cooperation. South Korea is among the Philippines' top arms suppliers. Moon said he was in favour of a status of visiting forces agreement between Manila and Seoul, which allows increased defence cooperation and allows both countries to hold exercises in each other's territories. 'Korea-Philippines VFA could support joint amphibious training, maritime interdiction and anti-terror drills. It also secures local MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) hubs for South-East Asian exports and enhances Korea's force mobility,' he said. This agreement, Moon said, 'aligns with Korea's global security strategy and enhances joint defence readiness against South China Sea threats, elevating Korea from an arms seller to a strategic security partner.' The Philippines already has similar agreements with the United States, Australia, Japan and New Zealand. Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr said last month that they will 'start scoping and see what happens' after the elections in South Korea if VFA discussions can start. He was in favour of a possible VFA deal due to existing military cooperation with Seoul. 'We already have interoperability with them, especially in naval operations, and our FA-50 aircraft came from them,' he said. The Philippines last week signed a deal for an additional 12 FA-50 light fighters from Korea Aerospace Industries for P40 billion. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
