South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has announced a second contract for the purchase of KAI KF-21 Boramae fighter jets for the Air Force of the Republic of Korea. The contract is worth approximately $1.8 billion and will deliver an additional 20 aircraft, bringing the total ordered aircraft to 40.
These aircraft, belonging to the Block I of production, will replace the third-generation aircraft still in use or retired some time ago, such as the F-4E Phantom II and F-5E/F. There has also been a contract signed with Hanwha Aerospace for the supply of engines and equipment. The production of the first 20 units ordered in 2023 is underway, with deliveries to the Seoul Air Force set to begin in 2026.
Korea Aerospace Industries, or KAI, is already working on an advanced Block II version and is evaluating future options (Block III), including the development of a specialized variant for the suppression of air defense (SEAD), equipped with advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems and AGM-88E/G AARGM and AARGM-ER missiles.
Last April, news emerged of substantial interest from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a possible purchase of this aircraft; the UAE has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with KAI for this purpose. Indonesia is also participating as a financial partner in the KF-21 development program. However, significant issues have arisen due to delays and the accumulation of debt, leading Seoul to review the terms of the agreement pending clarification on the payment front. In addition, the Indonesian President has announced his intention to support Turkey in the development of the national KAAN fighter aircraft, further questioning the continuation of Jakarta’s partnership with Seoul in the KF-21 program.
Photo credit @Korea Aerospace Industries-DAPA
