The KF-21 Boramae, a South Korean fighter plane, could become a crucial part of the country's defense strategy. The joint venture was formed with Indonesia and GE Aviation. GE Aviation supplies F414 engine for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as well as Saab JAS 39E/F Gripens. The KF-21 Boramae is scheduled to start flying in 2026. This will eventually replace 60 multirole F-15K Slam Eagles.
As the prototype fleet builds, extensive flight testing is taking place on the 4.5-generation korean fighter jet. ROKAF has described it as a twin-engine, supersonic aircraft.
It can travel at speeds of up to 2200 km/h, and has a range of approximately 2,900 km. This will allow it to attack targets from far away. It can also carry air-to air missiles, including Meteor beyond visual-range air to air missiles and 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 significant development, as it would give the korean fighter jet an advantage in its battles against North Korea and any other adversary that may wish to target it from ground or air-based missile systems.
The korean pilot will receive ordnance and a new manned/unmanned system of teaming. This capability, which could become operational as early as 2022 would allow the korean plane to control drones and obtain real-time imagery of enemy locations and weaponry. This would enable it to conduct reconnaissance and engage targets from close quarters.
ARMMENT
A variety of infrared search and track sensors have been fitted to the South Korean fighter, including an active electronically scan radar and an infrared detector. It also has a radio frequency blocker that disrupts signals to stop the aircraft being detected from surface- or airborne radars.
This is an important advancement as it will enable the korean fighter to be used in conjunction with stealthy drones. It will be capable of identifying and tracking the target and launch the drone with its payload using the coordinates provided to it by the korean fighter.
ELECTRONICS
The korean fighter has advanced electronics. This includes advanced radar jamming technology, and an onboard avionics suite. It will combine the pilot's telemetry with data from other aircraft to create a single image that can be displayed to the pilot's console. This capability gives the korean fighter an advantage in battles against North Korea, as well as any enemy who may want to target it from aircraft-based or ground missile systems. It allows it to conduct reconnaissance and attack targets at close quarters.
ENGINES
The korean aircraft is powered by two GE Aerospace F414 GE Aerospace engines. These engines have also been used in the predecessor to the korean fighter, the FA-50 light air-attack fighter. These engines have a maximum rating of 1.2 Megawatts.