South Korean fighter aircraft, the KF-21 Boramae could soon become an integral part of their defense strategy. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a joint venture developed by Indonesia and GE Aviation. It supplies F414 engines for F/A-18E/F Gripens. It is expected that it will begin flying in 2026.
As it builds its prototype fleet, the 4.5-generation Korean fighter plane is currently under extensive flight testing. It has been described by the ROKAF as a "supersonic, twin-engine aircraft."
It is capable of striking targets at a distance with a top speed up to 2,200 km/h. It can also carry air-to air missiles, including Meteor beyond visual-range air to air missiles and precision-guided Bombs.
Seoul is also planning to develop a standoff-cruise missile for its korean fighter. This will be compatible with its AESA radar. This would be a significant advancement, since it would give the korean fighter jet an edge in battles against North Korea as well as any other enemy that might wish to target it with air- or ground-based missile systems.
A new manned-unmanned teaming technology will also be fitted to the korean aircraft. This capability could be available as early 2022. The korean fighter would be able to control drones in real time and receive imagery of the enemy's location. It will also have the ability to engage targets close to its territory.
ARMMENT
The South Korean fighter comes equipped with various infrared scan-and-track sensors. These include an active electronically scanned radar, and an infrared scanner. It has also been fitted with a radio frequency jammer that will disrupt signals in order to prevent the aircraft from being detected by airborne or surface-based radars.
This advancement is important because it will allow the korean plane to be used alongside stealthy drones. It will be able track and identify the target, launch the drone and payload using coordinates supplied by the korean fighter.
ELECTRONICS
The korean fighter has advanced electronics. This includes advanced radar jamming technology, and an onboard avionics suite. It will combine the pilot's telemetry with data from other aircraft to create a single image that can be displayed to the pilot's console. This capability is intended to give the korean pilot an advantage in its battles against North Korea as well any enemy wanting to target it either from ground or aircraft-based ballistic missile systems.
ENGINES
The korean aircraft is powered by two GE Aerospace F414 GE Aerospace engines. These engines have also been used in the predecessor to the korean fighter, the FA-50 light air-attack fighter. These engines can produce a maximum power output of 1.2 megawatts.