Korea's potential to develop its first domestic stealth fighter through the KF-21 project?
South Korea Tests Next-Generation Fighter Jets in Major Milestone
In a significant step towards modernising its air force, the Korean Air Force conducted a test flight of the KF-21 and KF-16t aircraft on February 19, 2025. The event, marked by the release of a test flight image, signified the progress in South Korea's aviation sector.
The KF-21, a fighter jet currently under consideration for a stealthy upgrade, was one of the aircrafts tested. Details about the potential upgrades for the KF-16t were not disclosed.
The KF-21, if upgraded, will be known as the KF-21EX. This stealthy upgrade primarily focuses on the addition of twin internal weapons bays. This enhancement allows the aircraft to carry weapons internally, reducing its radar cross-section and increasing stealth. As a result, the KF-21EX can carry large precision-guided munitions like 900-kilogram class JDAMs and long-range air-to-air missiles without compromising its low-observable profile.
Besides internal weapons bays, the KF-21EX incorporates advanced stealth features such as a reprofiled canopy and radome for reduced radar signature, and upgraded sensors. These improvements are designed to push the aircraft into a true fifth-generation stealth fighter classification, significantly enhancing its survivability and deep-strike mission capability, even against sophisticated enemy air defenses.
The KF-21EX is also planned to be the central manned component in South Korea's Next Air Combat System (NACS). This system supports manned-unmanned teaming and multi-domain operations, further boosting the strategic capabilities of the KF-21EX.
Further details about the test flight or the aircraft were not provided in the article. Similarly, no specific details about the stealthy upgrade of the KF-21 or the nature of the improvements were given. Nonetheless, the test flight marks an important milestone in South Korea's military aviation advancements.
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[2] "South Korea's KF-21 Boramae Fighter Jet Takes Flight". Aviation Week Network. https://www.aviationweek.com/themes/aviationweek/products/inside-the-airforce/content/south-koreas-kf-21-boramae-fighter-jet-takes-flight
[3] "KF-21 Boramae: South Korea's New Fighter Jet". Military Watch Magazine. https://militarywatchmagazine.com/kf-21-boramae-south-koreas-new-fighter-jet/
[4] "South Korea Tests KF-21 and KF-16t Aircraft". Yonhap News Agency. https://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2025/02/19/0201000000AEN20250219001700325.html
[5] "KF-21EX: South Korea's Stealthy Upgrade for the KF-21 Fighter Jet". Defense Update. https://www.defense-update.com/20230714_kf-21ex-south-koreas-stealthy-upgrade-for-the-kf-21-fighter-jet.html
The South Korean government is reportedly considering a stealthy upgrade for the KF-21 aircraft, which, if successful, will be renamed KF-21EX. The proposed upgrade primarily focuses on adding twin internal weapons bays, aiming to increase the aircraft's stealth and carrying capacity.
The advancements in South Korea's aviation sector extend beyond military applications, with the KF-21EX also planned to be the central manned component in South Korea's Next Air Combat System (NACS), supporting manned-unmanned teaming and multi-domain operations.
The technology sector is also involved in this project, as the KF-21EX incorporates advanced stealth features like a reprofiled canopy and radome for reduced radar signature, and upgraded sensors. These improvements are designed to position the KF-21EX as a true fifth-generation stealth fighter.
The significance of this upgrade extends to the finance and aerospace industries, as the KF-21EX's increased capabilities could attract potential foreign investments and strengthen South Korea's position in the global aerospace technology market.
