India has ruled out the South Korean KF-21 Boramae as a contender in its program to acquire 114 advanced multi-role fighter jets, according to recent media reports.
While earlier speculation pointed to the Indian Air Force evaluating the KF-21 for its cost-effectiveness, future upgrade capacity, and policy alignment with India’s defense sector, the military has since dismissed these claims. A statement to the Indian Defence Research Wing clarified that there is no ongoing review of the KF-21 and that the jet has not been proposed to India.
Although the KF-21 is considered a viable and affordable option for international partners seeking to modernize their fleets, it currently does not figure into India’s acquisition plans.
This mirrors India’s reported stance on the U.S. F-35 program, which it has opted not to pursue despite repeated offers, according to a July Bloomberg report.
India remains committed to strengthening its homegrown fighter development projects and continues to assess more established aircraft under its 114-unit fighter acquisition initiative, the Defence Research Wing added.
KF-21 Boramae Overview:
Initiated in 2011, South Korea’s KF-21 program aims to replace American-built F-4 and F-5 fighters, with full-scale deployment of up to 120 units by the end of the decade. The aircraft is 17 meters long, has a wingspan of 11 meters, and supports up to 6,000 kg of fuel.
Fitted with dual Hanwha/GE F414 engines delivering 110,000 horsepower, the Boramae can reach speeds of Mach 1.8, travel 1,500 nautical miles, and fly at altitudes of up to 16,700 meters.
