The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) does not intend to rely only on the current variant of the indigenous KF-21 Boramae fighter, but in the future to add a more advanced, “5.5 generation” variant.
According to media reports in the Asian country, the stealth Boramae will be designated as “KF-21 EX” and will have an internal weapons compartment, as well as other improvements to make it more effective.
Currently, the fighter developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is considered generation 4.5, with several advanced systems, but not capable of avoiding radar detection.
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The KF-21 EX is not the only derivative planned by KAI. The company is also said to be preparing an electronic warfare version using the two-seat Boramae, which is referred to as the KF-21 EA.
It would resemble the Boeing EA-18G Growler, operated by the US Navy and would feature an electronic warfare operator in the rear seat, as well as electronic attack equipment, electronic intelligence collection and anti-radiation missiles.
Finally, Korea Aerospace intends to offer an export Boramae, designated KF-21 SA. To date, the only country that has reached an agreement to receive the aircraft is Indonesia, however, the lack of financial transfers has placed the partnership under suspicion.
According to a member of the South Korean government, the KF-21 EX is urgent as the 4.5 fighter market, like the current Boramae, has many competitors.
The ROKAF plans to receive the first batch of KF-21 fighters from 2026.