New Delhi
America has always jumped with its f-35 aircraft. He has offered this expensive fighter jet to sell to many associate countries including India. However, India never showed interest in it. South Korea, along with Indonesia, has made a 4.5-generation KF-21 Boram fighter jet to reduce American influence. The aircraft is of Rafael’s Rafael’s collision, which the Indian Air Force is also using.
First Test flight in 2022
The aircraft is being seen as a major jump of South Korea towards changing military balance in Asia. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has prepared it from Indonesia’s partnership. KF-21 Boramae is a modern 4.5-generation multi-roll fighter jet developed to reduce dependence on American aircraft and strengthen the domestic defense industry. The first Test flight of KF-21 took place on 19 July 2022. This jet can make the air dominated as well as target the ground and marine goals with accuracy. The aircraft with a 16.9 meter long and 11.2 m wingspain is operated by two General Electric F414-GE-400K Turbofan engines, carrying it to a top speed of 2,200 km/h (MACH 1.81). Its range is about 2,900 km and Combat Radius is about 1,100 kilometers.
Difficult to identify on radar
Talking about weapons, KF-21 has 10 hardpoints, which can be transported up to 7,700 kg. It can be equipped with state-of-the-art air-to-air missiles, JDAM and MK series bombs like AIM-12 AMRAAM, Meteor and IRIS-T. It also has a 20 mm M61A2 vulcan canon. In the coming years, it will be upgraded with internal weapon bay and advanced stealth features. The KF-21 is stealth-friendly in terms of design. It is not completely ‘invisible’ like F-35, but its structure and material reduces the identity on the radar to a great extent.
Production by year 2032
This includes South Korea’s indigenous AESA radar, high-tech glass cockpit and modern data link system. The cost of the entire project costs around $ 7.9 billion, while the price per aircraft is estimated to be between $ 65 to 70 million. South Korea is planning to include 120 KF-21 in its Air Force by 2032, while about 50 aircraft will be built for Indonesia.
