With the recent approval to begin producing 20 KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft, South Korea hopes to significantly strengthen its defense capabilities going forward. According to data and analytics company GlobalData, the KF-21s will not only aid in deterring threats coming from North Korea but will also create export opportunities for Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) due to their stealthy design. This is because more air force organizations worldwide have been vying for this technology in recent years.
According to the most recent “Fleet Size Dashboard” from GlobalData, 84% of the fixed-wing aircraft that are now in service with the South Korean Air Force are relatively young, with an average age of under 30 years. The average age of the South Korean fixed-wing aircraft fleet is expected to decrease further with the introduction of new KF-21 aircraft as older equipment is progressively phased out.
Furthermore, the dashboard also indicates that about 20% of South Korea’s fixed-wing fleet is domestically produced, a proportion set to improve as older imported aircraft are replaced by the KF-21. Along with the KF-21, other notable ongoing and planned fixed-wing aircraft acquisition programs by the country include the TA-50 trainer and C-390 transport aircaft.
Harpreet Sidhu, Aerospace and Defense Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The initiation of production of the KF-21 will mark a significant stride in South Korea’s indigenous defence manufacturing, positioning it as one of the few countries in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to design and deploy stealth fighters.”
As South Korea prepares to phase out its aging F-4 and F-5 fleet, the advanced capabilities of the KF-21 will play a pivotal role in bolstering its operational readiness. Furthermore, the government’s push for indigenous defence manufacturing not only enhances domestic defense supply-chain infrastructure but also fosters economic growth by generating employment opportunities.
Sidhu concludes: “Facing persistent threats from its northern neighbour, South Korea’s overarching goal is to protect its sovereign territory while building up its own defense manufacturing capabilities. By reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, the country aims to ensure effective maintenance and higher availability of KF-21 throughout its operational life. This plan will not only promote self-reliance in the defence sector but will also open opportunities for exports to friendly nations.”
