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Air ForcesSouth Korea

KF-21 Boramae

Fighter aircraftFielded 2026Pending verification

Also known as: KF-21 Hunting Hawk, KF-X, KAI KF-21 Boramae

Air ForcesKOR
KF-21 Boramae
Photo: KF-21A · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeFighter aircraft
Alternative designationsKF-21 Hunting Hawk, KF-X, KAI KF-21 Boramae
Date of introduction2026
ProliferationOrigin country only
ManufacturerKorea Aerospace IndustriesMed[1]
Crew1–2Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length16.9 m55 ftMed[1]
Height4.7 m15 ftMed[1]
Wingspan11.2 m37 ftMed[1]
Wing area46.5 m2Med[1]
Empty weight11,800 kg26,015 lbMed[1]
Gross weight17,200 kg37,919 lbMed[1]
Flight performance
Engine2 × General Electric F414-GE-400KMed[1]
Thrust / power57.8 kN (13,000 lbf) thrust each, dry, 97.9 kN (22,000 lbf) with afterburnerMed[1]
Range1,000 km621 mi · 540 nmi1,000 km (620 mi, 540 nmi)Med[1]
Speed2,200 kt4,074 km/hAutomated check: outside the expected range for this type; verify against the source.Low[1]
Ferry range2,900 km (1,800 mi, 1,550 nmi)Med[1]
G limits+9.0Med[1]
Service ceiling16,800 m55,118 ftMed[1]
Protection
Stealth PropertiesThe KF‑21 has a reduced‑radar‑signature airframe with stealth‑influenced shaping, though it carries weapons on external hardpoints rather than internal bays in current blocks.Med[1]
Chaff / flaresYesMed[1]
Armament and payload
Hardpoints10 (6 under-wing hardpoints and 4 under-fuselage hardpointsMed[1]
Armament and weapons integrationThe KF‑21 carries an internal 20 mm M61A2 Vulcan rotary cannon, mounted with approximately 480 rounds for close‑range engagements and strafing.Med[1]
Variants
KF-21 Block IBlock I is the initial production KF‑21 configuration, optimized for air‑to‑air missions as a 4.5‑generation “semi‑stealth” fighter, carrying Meteor and IRIS‑T missiles on semi‑recessed belly stations and wing pylons.[1]
KF-21 Block IIBlock II uses the same airframe but adds full multirole capability with a wider set of precision air‑to‑ground and anti‑ship weapons, and Block I aircraft can be upgraded to Block II largely via software and systems integration.[1]
KF-21 Block III / KF‑21EXBlock III (sometimes referred to by the project name KF‑XX) is planned as a significantly more advanced “5+ generation” evolution with internal weapons bays, improved stealth (including radar‑absorbent coatings), and upgraded AESA radar and avionics.[1]
KF‑21EASouth Korea is developing a dedicated electronic warfare variant designated KF‑21EA, based on a highly modified two‑seat KF‑21B airframe with a specialized rear cockpit for an Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO).[1]
KF‑21SAThe KF‑21SA variant is being designed specifically for export customers, retaining the core performance and airframe of ROKAF versions but allowing flexible customization of weapons, sensors, and internal equipment to match each country’s requirements.[1]
KF‑21BA KF‑21B-based variant is planned for the ROKAF Black Eagles aerobatic team, providing a high‑performance successor to the T‑50B that adds aerial refueling capability to support longer‑range demonstration deployments.[1]
Summary

The KF-21 Boramae South Korean Fighter Aircraft is South Korea’s new indigenous 4.5‑generation twin‑engine multirole fighter, developed mainly for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) with Indonesian participation and now entering frontline service as of 2026.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
South Korea
Sources
  1. KF-21 Boramae South Korean Fighter Aircraft, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-09-23 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import
  • 2026-10-10 Added photo (CC BY-SA 4.0)