US stealth fighter ignored by India, "replacement" appears from Asia

India is assessing the possibility of buying South Korea's KF-21 Boramae fighter jets as part of its quest for modern 4.5 and 5 generation fighters.

The indigenously developed South Korean fifth-generation stealth fighter KF-21 Boramae is emerging as a potential candidate for India’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, as New Delhi looks to address existing gaps in its fighter fleet. Photo: @ The Defense Post.

According to reports published by Indian defense media on August 1, the KF-21 Boramae is being highly appreciated in the context of the Indian Air Force (IAF)'s growing interest in acquiring both 4.5 and 5 generation fighters. Photo: @ Army Recognition.

South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae jet is seen as a cost-competitive platform with future growth potential and in line with India’s domestic industrial policy. Photo: @ Army Recognition.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently facing a shortage of operational squadrons as older aircraft such as the MiG-21 and Jaguar are gradually being phased out of service. Photo: @ Defence Security Asia.

While India has long relied on a mix of Russian- and French-sourced platforms, shifting procurement priorities and delays in indigenous fighter programs have prompted a broader look at next-generation foreign fighter systems. Photo: @ The Defense Post.

Developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the KF-21 is a 4.5-generation twin-engine multirole fighter equipped with advanced avionics, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an infrared search and track (IRST) system, electronic warfare systems, and modern weapons integration. Photo: @ Army Recognition.

The KF-21 is equipped with two General Electric F414-400K engines and reaches a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 (equivalent to 2,220 km/h), a combat radius of about 2,400 km and a maximum payload of up to 7,700 kg. Photo: @ Army Recognition.

South Korea began developing the KF-21 in 2011 to replace its aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 fighters. Photo: @ The Defense Post.

Although originally intended to be a 5th generation stealth aircraft, the production program was adjusted to field a 4.5 generation configuration first due to operational urgency. Photo: @ Defence Security Asia.

The KF-21 is currently in the flight testing phase, and the first units are expected to be delivered to the Republic of Korea Air Force in 2026. Photo: @ Defence Security Asia.

India is reportedly considering buying 60 of these advanced 4.5 generation fighters. Photo: @ Army Recognition.

One of the main advantages highlighted by the Indian press is engine commonality. The KF-21 uses the same F414 engine that is part of India’s Tejas Mk II and AMCA programs. If India were to produce the F414 engine on a large scale under license, this could simplify logistics, maintenance, and operational integration for the KF-21. Photo: @ The Defense Post.

Another factor is the aircraft’s potential compatibility with India’s “Make in India” defense manufacturing initiative. If selected, the KF-21 could be assembled or co-manufactured in India, and its open architecture could allow integration of indigenously developed systems such as the Uttam AESA radar and Astra air-to-air missile—provided an agreement is reached on source code access and software integration. Photo: @Defence Security Asia.

In July, Bloomberg reported that India had informed US officials that it was no longer pursuing the purchase of F-35s, despite repeated contacts from Washington. Photo: @ The Defense Post.

Defense-Blog View source link

Original post link Copy link

https://defense-blog.com/india-may-buy-south-koreas-kf-21-fighter-jet/

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/tiem-kich-tang-hinh-my-bi-an-do-phot-lo-xuat-hien-ke-thay-the-den-tu-chau-a-post2149044655.html