South Korea Signs $1.76 Billion Deal for 20 More KF-21 Boramae Fighter Jets
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has secured a major 2.39 trillion-won ($1.76 billion) defense contract to strengthen the Republic of Korea Air Force. KAI announced that it had signed a deal, on 27 June 2025, with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to build 20 additional KF-21 jets. This second contract follows a 2024 order for 20 jets and includes technical manuals and pilot training support. The two contracts together will deliver 40 fighters by 2028 and greatly bolster the combat strength of the Republic of Korea Air Force. The first KF-21 prototype rolled out in April 2021 and flew on 19 July 2022, and six development models have been flying tests to validate performance. These trials are overseen by DAPA and are part of the effort to finalize the jet’s systems ahead of full-rate production.
In order to replace the aging F-4 Phantom and F-5 jets, South Korea jointly developed a new twin-engine multirole fighter jet (KF-21 Boramae) with Indonesia. Serial production of the KF-21 Boramae jet will begin in 2026. Its composite airframe and radar-absorbent materials give it some stealth features. The KF-21 will have roughly 50% more range than an F-16, along with a 34% longer airframe life and advanced systems like AESA radar and secure data links. Apart from keeping the costs in check, the KF-21 fighter jet has modern and advanced avionics and sensors. The program not only supports Korea’s strategy of building a self-reliant aerospace industry by producing the Boramae domestically but also ensures that its air force deploys cutting-edge jets without relying entirely on foreign suppliers.
Many countries (including Poland, Malaysia, Peru, and the UAE) have monitored the KF-21 program as they look for affordable alternatives to expensive Western fighters. As of now, South Korea’s main focus is to deliver the Boramae to the Republic of Korea Air Force. The KF-21 will significantly upgrade South Korea’s air power with a modern and domestically built fighter fleet.