Kang Joo-young, CEO of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), stated that South Korea’s newly developed fighter jet, the KF-21 Boramae, deserves to be defined as “4.9 generation,” not just 4.5 generation. According to Kang, with its capabilities close to the fifth generation, the aircraft will play a key role in the future air force.
Paradigm Shift: Serial Production Begins, Deliveries in 2026
According to the agreement signed between KAI and the South Korean government, 20 KF-21 jets will be produced in the first phase. Deliveries will be made to the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) by the end of 2026. Kang emphasized that this development signifies not just a modernization but a “paradigm shift” for the Korean air force.
Why “4.9 Generation” for the KF-21?
Kang noted that compared to Europe’s leading fighter jets such as the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, the KF-21 offers superior performance, featuring technologies like a low radar cross-section (RCS), advanced stealth capabilities, AESA radar, electronic warfare systems, and artificial intelligence integration with big data.
“With features that go beyond the traditional 4.5 generation classification, KF-21 is on the threshold of the fifth generation. That’s why calling it 4.9 generation is more accurate,” – Kang Joo-young, KAI CEO
A Platform Ready for the Future
According to Kang, the KF-21 is designed not only for today’s air battles but also for future conflicts. From the early design phase, the aircraft was developed with the potential to be upgraded to fifth or even sixth-generation capabilities. A broad infrastructure has been provided for modernization throughout the development process.
Global Export Vision: “Will Stand Out in Competition”
One of KF-21’s strongest competitive advantages is cost. Kang revealed that the aircraft is 30% to 40% cheaper compared to its competitors such as Rafale, F-15, and Eurofighter. Moreover, with automation and production optimization, these costs are expected to decrease even further.
Intense interest from countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe has increased the export potential of the KF-21. For an aircraft still in the development phase, this level of interest is unprecedented.
KAI’s International Success: FA-50 Legacy Continues
South Korea has successfully exported aircraft such as the FA-50, T-50, and KT-1 to countries like Poland, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iraq, Peru, and Turkey. KAI’s experience provides a strong reference for the KF-21.
The KF-21, along with the FA-50 and Surion helicopter models, showcased at the Farnborough Air Show 2024, garnered increased interest from countries such as the UK, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, and Poland.
South Korea’s Rise in the Defense Industry
KAI aims to have South Korean-made aircraft flying worldwide by 2030. The KF-21 is seen as the most advanced representative of this vision.
Key Features of the KF-21:
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AESA Radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array)
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Low Radar Visibility (Stealth)
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Advanced Electronic Warfare Systems
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Artificial Intelligence and Big Data-Based System Integration
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Modular Design – Potential for Upgrades to 5th and 6th Generations
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Cost-Effective – 30-40% Lower Unit Price
