South Korea’s arms procurement strategy reported that the 3rd prototype of its 4,5-Generation domestic fighter KF-21 BORAMAE (Young Eagle) conducted its successful maiden flight, making another important step forward in the country’s jet development project. In accordance with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the new prototype took off from the Air Force’s 3rd Flying Training Wing in Sacheon, about 300 km south of Seoul, and completed a 37-minute flight. The 1st and 2nd KF-21 prototypes carried out their maiden flights in July and November 2022, respectively and, unlike the previous models, the DAPA added that the latest prototype is equipped with systems needed for tests on both the fighter’s speed and loadable weight, paving the way for more tests on the fighter’s capabilities. The agency plans to start conducting flights for the other 3 prototypes this year under a development roadmap to conduct some 2,000 tests in total by February 2026. The ROKAF (Republic of Korea Air Force) plans to field 120 KF-21 by 2032, with the initial 40 aircraft to be delivered in Block 1 configuration and limited to air-to-air missions, while the remaining 80 subsequent aircraft will be Block 2 aircraft also capable of air-to-ground missions. The KF-21 contains a high degree of indigenous technologies, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and an Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) system developed by Hanwha. A radio frequency jammer and integrated electronic warfare suite are also being supplied by LIG Nex1. In accordance with the initial project, the aircraft will still be powered by a pair of US-supplied General Electric F414 afterburning turbofans, like those on the Boeing F/A-18E/F SUPER HORNET. The BORAMAE ambitious project was launched in 2015 in a joint venture with Indonesia, with an estimated cost of 8.8 trillion won (€6.4 billion). Despite some initial payment issues, Jakarta confirmed the will to fund 20% of the KF-21 development costs till 2026, with about 30% of this contribution to be paid ‘in kind', meaning commodities and other goods in return for access to technologies, expertise, and options to buy the aircraft. Details about repayments beyond 2026 have not been disclosed. In December 2022, Poland has also expressed its intent to join the KF-21 program but, at this stage, there is no information regarding its involvement. South Korea’s aim for the project is to develop a supersonic fighter to replace its aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 jets, not sure for Indonesia if the new fighter may replace the F-16 Block 15/52ID or, most likely, the Russian Su-30MK2, Su-27SKM in service.

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