SOURCE: AFI
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has officially launched the initial manufacturing phase of the KF-21 ‘Boramae’ multirole fighter aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the country’s indigenous defense capabilities. The commencement of production follows a substantial contract awarded to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in June, valued at KRW 1.96 trillion (approximately USD 1.4 billion). This contract, which extends through August 2027, covers the manufacturing of an initial batch of 20 KF-21 aircraft.
DAPA has outlined a clear timeline for the production and delivery of the KF-21 aircraft. The first batch of 20 aircraft is scheduled for delivery to the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) starting in late 2026. This initial phase is expected to set the stage for further production, with DAPA indicating plans to award a second contract for an additional 20 KF-21s in 2025. If this plan is executed, South Korea will have 40 KF-21 fighter jets by the end of the decade, significantly boosting its air combat capabilities.
The progress of the KF-21 program is particularly noteworthy in the context of India’s upcoming Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for 114 fighter jets by mid-2025, inviting bids from international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The MRFA tender aims to bolster India’s air combat fleet with a mix of state-of-the-art fighter jets, making it one of the most significant defense procurement projects in the coming years.
Given the momentum behind the KF-21 program, there is growing speculation about whether South Korea might participate in India’s MRFA tender. The KF-21 ‘Boramae,’ a 4.5-generation fighter with advanced capabilities, could be a compelling option for the IAF, particularly as South Korea seeks to expand its defense partnerships globally. The KF-21 is designed to be a multirole fighter, capable of performing a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground attacks, and reconnaissance, making it a versatile addition to any air force.
South Korea has been actively seeking international partners for the KF-21 program, with the aim of securing joint development and production agreements. This strategy not only helps distribute the costs of production but also positions the KF-21 as a competitive option in the global defense market. By participating in India’s MRFA tender, South Korea could further its goal of establishing the KF-21 as a prominent fighter jet on the international stage.
However, the participation of the KF-21 in India’s MRFA tender is not without challenges. The competition is expected to be fierce, with established players such as the American F-21 (a variant of the F-16), the French Rafale, and the Swedish Gripen likely to be strong contenders. Moreover, the KF-21, still in its early production stages, would need to demonstrate its operational capabilities and meet the stringent requirements set by the IAF.
On the other hand, the KF-21’s participation could offer India a cost-effective and technologically advanced solution, particularly if South Korea offers attractive terms of technology transfer and local production. The IAF’s interest in diversifying its fleet and acquiring a mix of Western and Eastern platforms could also work in favor of the KF-21.