South Korean KF-21 Now Combat-Ready to Compete Modern Fighters Thanks to Indigenous AESA Radar
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
According to Chosun Biz (industry section, August 6, 2025), South Korea’s multirole fighter program KF‑21 Boramae has reached a critical milestone with the delivery of the first production AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, developed entirely with domestic technology. This delivery, marked by an official ceremony held on August 5, 2025, at Hanwha Systems’ research facility in Yongin, reflects Seoul’s objective to achieve strategic autonomy in airborne sensor technologies and to reduce its dependence on foreign technology, especially in areas subject to export restrictions.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The KF-21 is a twin-engine 4.5-generation fighter designed for both air superiority and precision strike missions (Picture source: Korean MoD)
The AESA radar developed by Hanwha Systems is considered the core component of the aircraft’s fire control system. It enables the KF-21 to detect, track, and engage multiple targets simultaneously in air, land, and maritime environments. Compared to traditional mechanically scanned radars, it offers extended detection range, faster data processing, and enhanced resistance to electronic jamming. Operationally, this translates into improved performance in beyond-visual-range engagements, increased survivability, and the ability to operate in contested environments. Initially tested aboard a modified Boeing 737-500, the radar will be installed on forty KF-21 aircraft by 2028. It was validated using near-field test facilities capable of simultaneously evaluating four airborne radar units, a first in South Korea.
The KF-21 is a twin-engine 4.5-generation fighter designed for both air superiority and precision strike missions. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 25,600 kg, a ferry range of 2,870 km, and a top speed of Mach 1.81 (2,220 km/h). It can carry up to 7,700 kg of external payload. The airframe design incorporates elements like the F-22 Raptor, such as angular air intakes and canted vertical stabilizers, and includes a conformal internal gun mounted above the left intake, a feature comparable to the F-35A. Although not classified as a fifth-generation aircraft, the KF-21 includes several low-observable characteristics and is intended as a national alternative to the U.S.-built F-35A. In December 2023, South Korea ordered 20 additional F-35As under the second phase of the F-X III program. A total of 120 KF-21s are planned for delivery to the Republic of Korea Air Force by 2032.
Flight testing of the KF-21 began in July 2022 at Sacheon, with six prototypes, four single-seat and two two-seat variants. By the end of 2024, over 1,000 test flights had been completed, to reach 2,000 by 2026. These tests have included air-to-air missile firings, aerial refueling, including at night, and high-maneuverability flight profiles. The aircraft has already been integrated with the European Meteor beyond-visual-range missile and the IRIS-T short-range missile and is expected to carry the Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missile. Key systems such as the flight control software, mission computer, and avionics were developed by South Korean companies, contributing to the country’s industrial base and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
The program, known as KF-X/IF-X, was launched in cooperation with Indonesia, which in 2014 committed to funding 20% of development costs, initially estimated at 7.5 trillion won (approximately $6.3 billion). However, Jakarta suspended payments in 2018 and repeatedly requested renegotiating its contribution. Although payments resumed in 2021, concerns persisted. In May 2024, Indonesia formally requested another revision of its participation terms. By August, South Korea agreed to reduce Indonesia’s contribution to 600 billion won. In February 2025, both governments reaffirmed their cooperation, but questions remain regarding Indonesia’s plan to procure 50 aircraft. These doubts have been amplified by reports that Indonesia is also evaluating the Turkish Aerospace Kaan fighter. In 2024, two Indonesian engineers were caught in possession of unauthorized USB drives at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). A joint investigation by DAPA, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and the Defense Counterintelligence Command concluded that no classified data related to the KF-21 program had been compromised.
The delivery of this first AESA radar highlights South Korea’s ability to integrate critical technologies into next-generation combat platforms independently. The KF-21 now stands as a key milestone in the development of the South Korean defense industry and as a potential export product for markets seeking alternatives to Western fifth-generation aircraft.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
According to Chosun Biz (industry section, August 6, 2025), South Korea’s multirole fighter program KF‑21 Boramae has reached a critical milestone with the delivery of the first production AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, developed entirely with domestic technology. This delivery, marked by an official ceremony held on August 5, 2025, at Hanwha Systems’ research facility in Yongin, reflects Seoul’s objective to achieve strategic autonomy in airborne sensor technologies and to reduce its dependence on foreign technology, especially in areas subject to export restrictions.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The KF-21 is a twin-engine 4.5-generation fighter designed for both air superiority and precision strike missions (Picture source: Korean MoD)
The AESA radar developed by Hanwha Systems is considered the core component of the aircraft’s fire control system. It enables the KF-21 to detect, track, and engage multiple targets simultaneously in air, land, and maritime environments. Compared to traditional mechanically scanned radars, it offers extended detection range, faster data processing, and enhanced resistance to electronic jamming. Operationally, this translates into improved performance in beyond-visual-range engagements, increased survivability, and the ability to operate in contested environments. Initially tested aboard a modified Boeing 737-500, the radar will be installed on forty KF-21 aircraft by 2028. It was validated using near-field test facilities capable of simultaneously evaluating four airborne radar units, a first in South Korea.
The KF-21 is a twin-engine 4.5-generation fighter designed for both air superiority and precision strike missions. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 25,600 kg, a ferry range of 2,870 km, and a top speed of Mach 1.81 (2,220 km/h). It can carry up to 7,700 kg of external payload. The airframe design incorporates elements like the F-22 Raptor, such as angular air intakes and canted vertical stabilizers, and includes a conformal internal gun mounted above the left intake, a feature comparable to the F-35A. Although not classified as a fifth-generation aircraft, the KF-21 includes several low-observable characteristics and is intended as a national alternative to the U.S.-built F-35A. In December 2023, South Korea ordered 20 additional F-35As under the second phase of the F-X III program. A total of 120 KF-21s are planned for delivery to the Republic of Korea Air Force by 2032.
Flight testing of the KF-21 began in July 2022 at Sacheon, with six prototypes, four single-seat and two two-seat variants. By the end of 2024, over 1,000 test flights had been completed, to reach 2,000 by 2026. These tests have included air-to-air missile firings, aerial refueling, including at night, and high-maneuverability flight profiles. The aircraft has already been integrated with the European Meteor beyond-visual-range missile and the IRIS-T short-range missile and is expected to carry the Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missile. Key systems such as the flight control software, mission computer, and avionics were developed by South Korean companies, contributing to the country’s industrial base and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
The program, known as KF-X/IF-X, was launched in cooperation with Indonesia, which in 2014 committed to funding 20% of development costs, initially estimated at 7.5 trillion won (approximately $6.3 billion). However, Jakarta suspended payments in 2018 and repeatedly requested renegotiating its contribution. Although payments resumed in 2021, concerns persisted. In May 2024, Indonesia formally requested another revision of its participation terms. By August, South Korea agreed to reduce Indonesia’s contribution to 600 billion won. In February 2025, both governments reaffirmed their cooperation, but questions remain regarding Indonesia’s plan to procure 50 aircraft. These doubts have been amplified by reports that Indonesia is also evaluating the Turkish Aerospace Kaan fighter. In 2024, two Indonesian engineers were caught in possession of unauthorized USB drives at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). A joint investigation by DAPA, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and the Defense Counterintelligence Command concluded that no classified data related to the KF-21 program had been compromised.
The delivery of this first AESA radar highlights South Korea’s ability to integrate critical technologies into next-generation combat platforms independently. The KF-21 now stands as a key milestone in the development of the South Korean defense industry and as a potential export product for markets seeking alternatives to Western fifth-generation aircraft.
