Monday, 04-08-2025.
The indigenously developed KF-21 Boramae, developed in South Korea with its Indonesian partners, has emerged as a potential candidate for India's Multirole Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, as New Delhi seeks to address gaps in its combat air fleet. According to an Indian defense media report published on August 1, the KF-21 is being evaluated amid growing interest by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in acquiring 4th, 5th, and 5th-generation fighters. The South Korean jet is seen as a cost-competitive platform with future growth potential and compatibility with India's domestic industrial policy. The IAF currently faces a shortage of operational squadrons due to the phase-out of older aircraft such as the MiG-21 and Jaguar. While India has long relied on a mix of Russian and French platforms, shifting procurement priorities and delays in its indigenous fighter program have prompted broader consideration of new-generation foreign systems.
Developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the KF-21 is a 4.5th-generation, twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft equipped with advanced avionics, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, infrared search and track (IRST), electronic warfare systems, and modern weapons integration.
The aircraft is powered by two General Electric F414-400K engines and boasts a top speed of Mach 1.8, a combat radius of approximately 1,500 nautical miles, and a maximum payload of up to 7,700 kg. South Korea began developing the KF-21 in 2011 to replace its aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 fighters. Although originally intended as a 5th-generation stealth aircraft, the program was adjusted to first field the 4.5th-generation configuration due to operational urgency. The aircraft is currently in the flight testing phase, and the first delivery to the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) is expected in 2026. India is reportedly considering acquiring 60 advanced 4.5-generation fighters while simultaneously developing 5th-generation platforms, including the indigenous AMCA. The KF-21's modular design, future upgrade roadmap (including a planned Block III variant with an internal weapons bay and stealth coating), and compatibility with twin-engine naval variants could offer strategic appeal.
One key advantage highlighted by the Indian press is engine commonality. The KF-21 uses the same F414 engine type selected for India's Tejas Mk II and AMCA programs. If India proceeds with large-scale license production of the F414, this could simplify logistics, maintenance, and operational integration for the KF-21.
Another factor is the aircraft's potential compatibility with India's "Make India" defense manufacturing initiative. If selected, the KF-21 could be assembled or co-produced in India, and its open architecture allows the integration of locally developed systems such as the Uttam AESA radar and the Astra air-to-air missile, provided an agreement is reached on source code access and software integration.
As of mid-2025, the estimated unit price of the KF-21 ranges from $87 million to $110 million, including engines, placing it below competitors such as the Rafale, Su-57, and F-35.
In July, Bloomberg reported that India had informed US officials that it would not acquire the F-35, despite repeated calls from Washington.
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source: military strategy technology
