While new test flights of the manufactured prototypes are being carried out, Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) is developing three versions of the new KF-21 Boramae fighter for the South Korean Air Force in parallel. These new variants would be focused on responding to various requirements of the program, such as addressing the possibility of exporting the South Korean combat aircraft. In detail, it would be an electronic warfare version, a version with capabilities similar to those of a fifth-generation fighter and one focused on sale to third countries..
KF-21 EA
Called “EA” (or Electronic Attack), this variant in the basic research and feasibility studies phase of the KF-21 would be focused on carrying out electronic warfare missions and suppressing enemy air defenses. Its role and configuration would have great similarities with the EA-18G Growler used by the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force.
From what was reported by local media, it has been expressed that feasibility studies and changes to the original design of the KF-21 are being carried out by the Defense Science and Technology Research Institute (ADD) of South Korea. The Boramae variant selected is the KF-21Btwo-seat version of the combat aircraft, of which two prototypes have been manufactured and are currently in the testing phase along with the single-seaters.
Among the preliminary changes proposed, the co-pilot station would be adapted to be operated by an electronic warfare specialist using the sensors and combat systems specific for this function. In detail, the modification of the wingtips to house attack devices and electronic countermeasures, such as signals intelligence collection. This would seek to alter the capabilities of enemy radars through the jamming function of this type of equipment.
In terms of weapons, this new KF-21 EA would be integrated with anti-radiation missiles for the execution of enemy air defense suppression missions, and air-to-air missiles for protection.
KF-21EX
From the beginning of the KF-21 project, KAI and the South Korean Air Force sought to obtain a fighter with scalable capabilities that, in the future, through the incorporation of new technologies, would put the combat aircraft on an equal footing with fifth generation counterparts in service. To this end, various changes must be adopted to the design of the aircraft, such as the inclusion of an internal weapons bay in order to reduce its radar signature, as seen in the American F-22 and F-35, as well as the Chinese J-20 and Russian Su-57.
Furthermore, as new trends are being appreciated, this class of aircraft in the future must be compatible with unmanned aircraft under the Loyal Wingman concept, as with other UAVs, in order to deploy them in various functions or as a means for collecting information from the operational environment. Although there are no dates, this phase of the program is the most ambitious, and various technologies, such as a new AESA radar with higher performance, are still under development by South Korea.. Thus, the horizon for this EX version of the KF-21 to see the light is the next decade, as KAI and the ROKAF gain operational and productive experience with successive batches of serial production that will enter service in the coming years.
KF-21 SA
There is no doubt that in addition to what was previously mentioned, the KF-21 was conceived to be the next export platform and showcase of South Korea’s technological and aerospace capabilities. Knowing the requirements of many air forces, which require new fighters, KAI also plans the development of an export variant called SA. Although this variant would have almost identical capabilities, KAI is expected to offer a high degree of modularity and customization to adapt the KF-21 to the requirements of potential foreign customers.
With these three versions, South Korea would set part of the KF-21 program roadmap for the next decade. However, this may change, as indicated by members of the Korea Security and Defense Forum such as Kim Min-seok. In this regard, he has indicated that: “All three versions are in the early stages of feasibility research, and it will be more than ten years before detailed development costs are obtained and full development begins.“.
Adding: “Serial production of the KF-21 will begin in 2026. Production is not the end, but the beginning, and although the KF-21 has a competitive advantage in price, competition in the global 4.5th generation fighter market is fierce. To improve the export competitiveness of the KF-21, it is crucial to start early development of the KF-21 EX with 5th generation capabilities.“.
*Photographs used for illustration.
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