Partnership Between LIG Nex1 and KAI Advances 6th Generation Fighter Project with Enhanced Synergy
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Recently, LIG Nex1 was selected to supply electronic warfare and avionics equipment for the KF-21 project, currently under development by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). This partnership has fueled interest in LIG Nex1’s guided weapons and advanced systems, suggesting the potential for enhanced cooperation in developing 6th-generation fighter capabilities. This partnership was disclosed on November 2, 2024, by South Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service following the announcement of a contract signed by LIG Nex1 at the end of October.
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While the KF-21 is a 4.5-generation fighter, it already incorporates advanced technology, with its development aimed at Block I completion by 2026 (Picture source: Republic of Korea Air Force)
The KF-21 Boramae, developed by South Korea, marks a notable advancement in the country’s aerial defense capabilities. Designed as a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, it aims to replace older models, such as the F-4 Phantom II and KF-5E/F, in the South Korean Air Force while enhancing self-sufficiency in military technology. Initiated in the early 2000s with Indonesia as a partner, the KF-21 project aims to establish a robust foundation for South Korea’s aerospace production. The aircraft incorporates advanced design features, including a delta-wing configuration with canards for agility and composite materials to optimize radar stealth through absorbing materials and specifically designed structures.
Powered by the F414-GE-400 engine, the KF-21 achieves a thrust-to-weight ratio comparable to the Eurofighter Typhoon, reaching a top speed of Mach 1.8. Equipped with a sophisticated AESA radar, an infrared search and track (IRST) system, and comprehensive electronic warfare systems, it can engage multiple targets simultaneously while maintaining situational awareness. The KF-21 includes ten external hardpoints for a variety of missiles, such as AIM-9X, AIM-120 AMRAAM, Meteor, and IRIS-T, with plans for an internal weapons bay in future models. Block I, produced between 2024 and 2028, is optimized for air-to-air missions, with subsequent blocks expected to integrate expanded air-to-ground capabilities, autonomous systems, and enhanced stealth features.
This mass production contract for the KF-21 has drawn attention to LIG Nex1’s potential developments in unmanned and future warfare technologies, alongside its expertise in guided weapon systems. Currently, the company is producing several integrated systems for the KF-21, including the flight control computer (FLCC), weapons management computer, and survival system (KF-21 EW Suite). As 6th generation fighter technology progresses, the company may integrate AI-based tactical support systems and mixed-reality control technology. This strategic direction is significant as existing fighters predominantly use U.S. platforms, which restrict the development of guided weapons due to compatibility issues. The KF-21 thus paves the way for the domestic production of short- and medium-range air-to-air and air-to-ship missiles.
Globally, several competing 6th-generation fighter projects are underway. In the U.S., the Air Force is developing the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) project, while in Europe, France, Germany, and Spain are collaborating on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The UK, Japan, and Italy are also jointly advancing the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). According to Tamarack Defense, the 6th generation fighter market, including cooperative combat aircraft, is expected to reach approximately $70 billion (KRW 96.6 trillion) by 2030.
While the KF-21 is a 4.5-generation fighter, it already incorporates advanced technology, with its development aimed at Block I completion by 2026. Future enhancements will target stealth capabilities and AI functionality, aligning with 6th-generation performance standards. This approach, leveraging unmanned and autonomous support systems, could provide the KF-21 with operational strength comparable to newer platforms, as highlighted by U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, who emphasized cost reductions for NGAD by miniaturizing the platform and adopting a simpler engine.
An industry expert indicated that South Korea has begun developing the long-range air-to-surface Taurus missile for its F-15K fleet. Concurrently, developments in missile and weapons systems, including AI-driven autonomous and manual control capabilities, are expected to accelerate. The ongoing cooperation between KAI and LIG Nex1 may extend beyond the KF-21, encompassing advanced technologies for future fighters.
While KAI officials acknowledge the collaboration’s potential, they note that the KF-21 is still in Block I development, making it premature to discuss expanded partnerships. However, further cooperation may be possible after operational delivery to the Air Force if relationships among partners remain stable.
Additionally, the South Korean government is exploring a 6th-generation fighter co-development initiative with Saudi Arabia. In January, Korean defense officials met with Khaled bin Hussey Al Biyari, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Defense Minister for Political Affairs, to discuss advanced technological partnerships. This ambitious project reflects South Korea’s expanding defense goals, strengthening its role in next-generation defense technology.
In summary, the partnership between LIG Nex1 and KAI for the KF-21 marks a strategic step in South Korea’s defense vision. Broad cooperation across guided weapons, AI, and unmanned technology positions South Korea as a key player in the global fighter jet industry, which is set to soon enter the 6th generation fighter market.
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Recently, LIG Nex1 was selected to supply electronic warfare and avionics equipment for the KF-21 project, currently under development by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). This partnership has fueled interest in LIG Nex1’s guided weapons and advanced systems, suggesting the potential for enhanced cooperation in developing 6th-generation fighter capabilities. This partnership was disclosed on November 2, 2024, by South Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service following the announcement of a contract signed by LIG Nex1 at the end of October.
While the KF-21 is a 4.5-generation fighter, it already incorporates advanced technology, with its development aimed at Block I completion by 2026 (Picture source: Republic of Korea Air Force)
The KF-21 Boramae, developed by South Korea, marks a notable advancement in the country’s aerial defense capabilities. Designed as a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, it aims to replace older models, such as the F-4 Phantom II and KF-5E/F, in the South Korean Air Force while enhancing self-sufficiency in military technology. Initiated in the early 2000s with Indonesia as a partner, the KF-21 project aims to establish a robust foundation for South Korea’s aerospace production. The aircraft incorporates advanced design features, including a delta-wing configuration with canards for agility and composite materials to optimize radar stealth through absorbing materials and specifically designed structures.
Powered by the F414-GE-400 engine, the KF-21 achieves a thrust-to-weight ratio comparable to the Eurofighter Typhoon, reaching a top speed of Mach 1.8. Equipped with a sophisticated AESA radar, an infrared search and track (IRST) system, and comprehensive electronic warfare systems, it can engage multiple targets simultaneously while maintaining situational awareness. The KF-21 includes ten external hardpoints for a variety of missiles, such as AIM-9X, AIM-120 AMRAAM, Meteor, and IRIS-T, with plans for an internal weapons bay in future models. Block I, produced between 2024 and 2028, is optimized for air-to-air missions, with subsequent blocks expected to integrate expanded air-to-ground capabilities, autonomous systems, and enhanced stealth features.
This mass production contract for the KF-21 has drawn attention to LIG Nex1’s potential developments in unmanned and future warfare technologies, alongside its expertise in guided weapon systems. Currently, the company is producing several integrated systems for the KF-21, including the flight control computer (FLCC), weapons management computer, and survival system (KF-21 EW Suite). As 6th generation fighter technology progresses, the company may integrate AI-based tactical support systems and mixed-reality control technology. This strategic direction is significant as existing fighters predominantly use U.S. platforms, which restrict the development of guided weapons due to compatibility issues. The KF-21 thus paves the way for the domestic production of short- and medium-range air-to-air and air-to-ship missiles.
Globally, several competing 6th-generation fighter projects are underway. In the U.S., the Air Force is developing the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) project, while in Europe, France, Germany, and Spain are collaborating on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The UK, Japan, and Italy are also jointly advancing the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). According to Tamarack Defense, the 6th generation fighter market, including cooperative combat aircraft, is expected to reach approximately $70 billion (KRW 96.6 trillion) by 2030.
While the KF-21 is a 4.5-generation fighter, it already incorporates advanced technology, with its development aimed at Block I completion by 2026. Future enhancements will target stealth capabilities and AI functionality, aligning with 6th-generation performance standards. This approach, leveraging unmanned and autonomous support systems, could provide the KF-21 with operational strength comparable to newer platforms, as highlighted by U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, who emphasized cost reductions for NGAD by miniaturizing the platform and adopting a simpler engine.
An industry expert indicated that South Korea has begun developing the long-range air-to-surface Taurus missile for its F-15K fleet. Concurrently, developments in missile and weapons systems, including AI-driven autonomous and manual control capabilities, are expected to accelerate. The ongoing cooperation between KAI and LIG Nex1 may extend beyond the KF-21, encompassing advanced technologies for future fighters.
While KAI officials acknowledge the collaboration’s potential, they note that the KF-21 is still in Block I development, making it premature to discuss expanded partnerships. However, further cooperation may be possible after operational delivery to the Air Force if relationships among partners remain stable.
Additionally, the South Korean government is exploring a 6th-generation fighter co-development initiative with Saudi Arabia. In January, Korean defense officials met with Khaled bin Hussey Al Biyari, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Defense Minister for Political Affairs, to discuss advanced technological partnerships. This ambitious project reflects South Korea’s expanding defense goals, strengthening its role in next-generation defense technology.
In summary, the partnership between LIG Nex1 and KAI for the KF-21 marks a strategic step in South Korea’s defense vision. Broad cooperation across guided weapons, AI, and unmanned technology positions South Korea as a key player in the global fighter jet industry, which is set to soon enter the 6th generation fighter market.
