South Korea is moving ahead with an ambitious plan to build a fleet of more than 100 KF-21 Boramae fighters by 2030, marking a major leap in its military aviation program. The initiative includes the domestic manufacture of up to 120 units, with the first set of around 20 aircraft scheduled for rollout between 2026 and 2027. This development underscores Seoul’s strategic objective to reduce dependency on foreign fighter jets and bolster its indigenous defense production.
The KF-21 is tailored to meet next-generation air combat requirements, with specifications that position it as a capable replacement for the older F-4 and F-5 fighter jets currently deployed by the Republic of Korea Air Force. With a 17-meter-long fuselage and an 11-meter wingspan, the fighter jet is optimized for agility and performance. It has a fuel capacity of 6,000 kilograms, offering endurance for extended missions.
Its twin F414 engines, developed by Hanwha in collaboration with General Electric, generate immense power that enables the KF-21 to achieve a top speed of Mach 1.8 and reach altitudes of nearly 16,700 meters. The fighter has a combat radius of 1,500 nautical miles, ensuring it can carry out a wide range of tactical operations across the Korean Peninsula and beyond. With these capabilities, the KF-21 is set to become the backbone of South Korea’s air defense in the coming years.
