ROKAF Formally Inducts First KF-21 Boramae Multi-Role Fighter

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has officially integrated its inaugural serial production KF-21 Boramae multi-role fighter into its operational inventory, marking a pivotal achievement in South Korea’s indigenous aviation development strategy.

This significant delivery saw the first production-model KF-21 depart from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) facilities in Sacheon, successfully completing its flight to Yecheon Air Base. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and ROKAF confirmed the milestone, noting that the KF-21 was accompanied by an FA-50 light attack aircraft, alongside TA-50 and T-50 advanced jet trainers during its ferry flight, symbolizing the transition of combat aviation generations.

The KF-21 program, which received government authorization in 2010 and commenced full-scale development in 2015, has rapidly advanced. Following the unveiling of its first prototype in April 2021, the aircraft conducted its maiden flight in July 2022. An exhaustive flight test campaign, comprising over 1,600 sorties across a 42-month period, was successfully concluded without incident. DAPA highlighted the rigorous nature of these tests, which included validation of the aircraft’s air-to-air missile engagement capabilities.

Named “Boramae” – meaning “young hawk” in Korean – the KF-21 is designed as a 4.5 generation fighter with an emphasis on reduced observability. It integrates an advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a comprehensive electronic warfare suite, and sophisticated mission systems. Propelled by twin GE Aerospace F414 engines, the aircraft achieves a maximum speed of Mach 1.81, possesses an operational range of approximately 2,900 kilometers, and can carry a maximum ordnance payload of 7.7 metric tons.

DAPA’s strategic acquisition plan aims to deliver an initial squadron of 40 KF-21 aircraft by 2028. Subsequently, the program targets an expansion of the Boramae fleet to 120 units by 2032, through the production of an additional 80 aircraft, substantially augmenting the ROKAF’s air superiority and multi-role combat capabilities.