The KF-21 Boramae is a South Korean fighter jet that could soon become a key part of the nation's defense strategy. Developed through a joint venture with Indonesia and GE Aviation, which supplies F414 engines for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Saab JAS 39E/F Gripens, it is expected to begin flying by 2026 and eventually replace the country's 60 multirole F-15K Slam Eagles, its more numerous F-16C/Ds, and a large number of Vietnam-era F-4E Phantoms in service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).
The prototype 4.5-generation korean fighter aircraft is currently in 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 carry air-to–air missiles including Meteor beyond–visual-range air–to-air missiles as well as precision-guided bombs.
Another armament option for the korean fighter is a standoff cruise missile, which Seoul hopes to develop for use with its homegrown AESA radar. This is a major development as it would give the korean fighter a distinct advantage in its fights against North Korea, and any other adversary who may wish to strike it from ground or air-based weapon systems.
The korean fighter will be equipped with a new manned unmanned teaming system. This capability, which could come into service as early as 2022 by the korean pilot, will allow it to control drones as well as receive real-time imagery and data about an enemy's weaponry and location. This will enable it to perform reconnaissance and engage its targets in close quarters.
ARMMENT
The South Korean fighter is equipped with several infrared track-and-search sensors, including an active electronically-scanned radar and infrared sensors. It also has a radio frequency blocker that disrupts signals to stop the aircraft being detected from surface- or airborne radars.
This advancement is important because it will allow the korean plane to be used alongside stealthy drones. It will be able to identify and track the target, and then launch the drone and its payload using coordinates provided by the korean fighter.
ELECTRONICS
The korean fighter is equipped with advanced electronics, including advanced radar jamming technology and an onboard avionics suite that will integrate the pilot's telemetry and data from other aircraft into a single picture that displays to the pilot's console. This capability is designed to give the korean fighter an edge in its battles against North Korea and any enemy that may wish to target it from ground or aircraft-based missile systems, allowing it to carry out reconnaissance and attack targets in close quarters.
ENGINES
Two GE Aerospace F414 engine are used to power the korean plane. They were also installed in the predecessor of the korean fighter: the FA-50 light attack fighter. These engines are capable of producing a maximum power rating exceeding 1.2 megawatts.