The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed interest in the South Korean KF-21 BORAMAE fighter jet. This interest stems from current restrictions on acquiring the F-35 LIGHTNING II from the United States, as well as the strong relationship established between the 2 countries’ Air Forces. In this context, the UAE and South Korean Air Forces signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for comprehensive cooperation on South Korean fighter jets. The agreement was signed by the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) Chief of Staff, Gen. Lee Young-su, and the Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defense, Maj. Gen. Rashed Mohammed A. Al Shamsi, during the latter’s visit to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), which manufactures the KF-21 and the FA-50 light attack jets.

According to Asian media reports, the agreement will allow the UAE Air Force to closely observe RoKAF units operating the new fighter and pave the way for a potential purchase. The UAE has shown interest in the KF-21 since 2023, when it initially sought to establish direct cooperation within the KF-21 program. Further discussions took place during the IDEX 2025 expo in Abu Dhabi, where UAE Air Force leadership received detailed briefings on the fighter jet from KAI representatives.

Currently, the UAE Air Force operates the Mirage 2000 and F-16 FIGHTING FALCON. It had long sought access to the F-35 stealth fighter (a package of 50 jets plus unmanned systems), but negotiations with the United States eventually collapsed. Unofficially, despite strong defense industry ties between the 2 nations, the U.S. reluctance to approve the sale has been attributed to 2 main concerns: the UAE’s close relations with China, and the need to preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region.

Although the KF-21 does not fully match the capabilities of the F-35, its stealthy airframe — with potential enhancements such as an internal weapons bay — enables it to be classified as a fifth-generation fighter. Another advanced-generation aircraft that has drawn the UAE’s attention is the Turkish KAAN. Given the similarities between the 2 platforms, the final selection will likely depend on the broader military cooperation established between the UAE and the respective manufacturing countries.

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