KF-21 Boramae
Fighter Jetconfirmed
The KF-21 Boramae (Fighting Hawk) is South Korea's first indigenous supersonic fighter aircraft. Designed as a 4.5th generation multirole fighter, it features an AESA radar, IRST sensor, and modern avionics. Initially lacks fully internal weapons bays but upgrades toward 5th-gen stealth are planned.
Specifications
| Type | Fighter Jet |
| Origin | South Korea |
| Manufacturer | Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) |
| Introduced | 2024 |
| Generation | 4.5th |
| Status | In service |
| Ceiling | 16,800 |
| Range | 2,900 |
| Weight | 12,000 |
| Speed | 1,943 |
| Crew | 1 |
History
Development began 2015 with Indonesia as a co-developer (25% cost share). First flew July 2022 — a historic milestone for South Korean defense. Indonesia later reduced participation. Initial operational capability expected 2026. South Korea plans to procure 120 aircraft.
Operators
| Country | Quantity | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 6 prototypes (IOC 2026) | confirmed |
| Indonesia | 48 on order (co-development) | confirmed |
Text adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo from Wikimedia Commons; see the Wikipedia article for author and license.
