Korea’s Roll Out New Stealth Fighter Jet Most Sophisticated In The World
The KAI KF-21 Boramae (formerly known as the KF-X) is a South Korean-led fighter aircraft research program aimed at developing an advanced multirole fighter for the South Korean and Indonesian air forces. The airframe is stealthier than any fourth-generation fighter, but unlike fifth-generation fighters, it does not carry weapons in internal bays, though internal bays may be added later in development.
The South Korean government is in charge of the program, and it owns 60% of it. In 2010, Indonesia acquired a 20% ownership in the program, with the remaining 20% held by commercial partners, notably the manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). Following the FA-50, the KAI KF-X is South Korea's second homegrown fighter jet development program.
The first prototype was constructed and launched in April 2021 during a rollout event at KAI's headquarters near Sacheon Airport. It was given the official name Boramae (Korean for "young hawk" or "fighting hawk"). The first test flight was place on July 19, 2022, with manufacture set to commence in 2026. At least 40 aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2028, with South Korea aiming to deploy 120 by 2032. It will also be offered on the international market.
The KF-X development initiative is known as the IF-X program in Indonesia. According to the Jakarta Globe, the completed aircraft will be designated as the F-33.