KF-21 Boramae Fighter Jet
Geography: Asia Pacific · East Asia · South Korea
The KF-21 Boramae ('Young Hawk') is a twin-engine, 4.5-generation fighter developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) with Indonesian partnership. The aircraft features AESA radar, internal weapons bay capability (planned for Block 2), infrared search and track, and GE F414 engines. Six prototypes completed over 600 test flights by end 2024, and serial production begins in 2026 with 120 aircraft ordered for the Korean Air Force.
Developing an advanced fighter jet is among the most complex engineering undertakings a country can attempt — only the US, Russia, China, France, Sweden, and the UK/Italy/Japan (Tempest) have comparable programs. The KF-21 cost approximately $8B to develop, a fraction of the F-35's $1.7 trillion lifecycle cost, and is designed to replace Korea's aging F-4 and F-5 fleets.
The KF-21 positions Korea as a competitive fighter jet exporter for countries that want modern combat aircraft without the political strings, delivery delays, and costs associated with American or European platforms. Indonesia is the first export partner, and discussions are reportedly underway with Malaysia, Iraq, and several South American countries.