The KF-21 Boramae (Young Hawk) is South Korea's indigenous 4.5th-generation fighter, positioned between the F-16 and F-35 in capability and cost. It is the first fighter aircraft entirely designed and manufactured in South Korea, with Indonesia as a 20% development partner. Block 1 aircraft carry weapons externally on 10 hardpoints, while Block 2 (expected ~2028) will add semi-recessed internal weapons bays for reduced radar cross-section. Powered by twin GE F414 engines, the KF-21 features a Hanwha-developed AESA radar and an advanced infrared search-and-track system. Korea plans to acquire 120 aircraft to complement its F-35A fleet, replacing aging F-4 and F-5 aircraft. The program demonstrates South Korea's emergence as a top-tier defense industrial nation alongside its K9 howitzer and K2 tank export successes.
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COMBAT HISTORY
First flight July 2022. In flight test phase with 6 prototypes. Initial operational capability expected 2026.
