As reported by the South Korean Biz resource.HanKook, South Korean aircraft corporation Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is conducting preliminary work on the development of three promising modifications of the new South Korean fighter KF-21 Boramae, created under the KF-X program and is currently in the testing phase.
A design image of the promising South Korean KF-21EA electronic warfare and air defense suppression aircraft, being developed on the basis of the new South Korean KAI KF-21 Boramae fighter (c) Kim Min-seok / www.bizhankook.com
However, since work on the new versions of the KF-21 is still in the early stages, it is expected that the allocation of budget funding for these projects and full-scale R&D will take quite a long time.
The first promising option is the KF-21EA (Electronic Attack) electronic warfare and air defense suppression aircraft, which should be approximately similar in purpose to the Boeing EA-18G Growler aircraft of the US Navy. It is reported that research on the KF-21EA project is currently underway at the South Korean Defense Research Agency (ADD). The KF-21EA aircraft should be based on a two-seat version of the KF-21B fighter, with the second crew member being an electronic warfare operator. In total, three electronic warfare containers (on ventral and underwing suspensions) and two containers of electronic intelligence equipment (the latter will be placed on the wingtips) are planned to be installed on the KF-21EA. Electronic warfare containers should include two containers with high-frequency electronic warfare equipment and one container with low-frequency electronic warfare equipment, which will make it possible to carry out electronic suppression at almost all frequencies used by the enemy. The aircraft is planned to be armed with anti-radar missiles such as the AARGM-ER.
Another promising variant of the KF-21EX is the further development of the KF-21 fighter towards a fifth-generation aircraft (previously this project was designated as the KF-21 Block 3). First of all, this is planned to be achieved by equipping the KF-21EX with a ventral armament compartment capable of accommodating four long-range guided Meteor air-to-air missiles or eight air-to-surface guided munitions. It is also planned to install a new advanced airborne radar with AFAR and a new airborne defense complex on the KF-21EX, as well as a radical expansion of network-centric capabilities. In general, the KF-21EX is considered as a subsystem of the promising NACS (Next Air Combat System) system being developed by KAI, which should also integrate unmanned fighter aircraft and satellite data transmission channels. KAI plans to complete the creation of NACS in 2039. The creation of the KF-21EX is planned "10 years after the completion of development" of the current version of the fighter, that is, by 2036.
The third promising variant of the aircraft is the export version of the KF-21SA, which should provide ample opportunities for the integration of various electronic systems and weapons on the KF-21 at the request of potential customers.
Recall that the first prototype of the new South Korean fighter KF-21 Boramae made its first flight at the airfield of the main KAI enterprise in Sacheon on July 19, 2022. During the year, six flight prototypes of the KF-21 (including two two-seater ones) were transferred for testing, which allowed the aircraft to be tested on a wide front. On June 25, 2024, the Office of Defense Procurement Programs (DAPA) of South Korea awarded KAI a contract worth 1.96 trillion won ($1.41 billion) for the supply of the first 20 serial KF-21 fighters to the South Korean Air Force, all 20 aircraft are to be delivered in 2026. This amount includes 480.1 billion won for the continuation of OCD and improvements on the aircraft. By 2032, it is planned to purchase 120 production KF-21 aircraft.
"Despite many problems and difficulties, the KF-21 project has achieved its current status thanks to the close cooperation of the government, the Air Force, DAPA and the companies (participants)," said KAI CEO Kang Gu Yong on the occasion of the conclusion of the contract for the start of serial production of the aircraft. - "The KF-21 represents a historic achievement for the Korean aerospace industry and will become a symbol of genuine independence in national defense."
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The sixth (and second two-seat) flight prototype of the new South Korean fighter KAI KF-21 Boramae (serial and tail number "0006"). The board made its first flight on 06/28/2023 (c) Harry S. Ahn
