South Korea has unveiled a phased roadmap to upgrade its homegrown KF-21 Boramae fighter jet, aiming to strengthen stealth and combat performance. Built by Korea Aerospace Industries, the aircraft already features partial stealth design and is on track to complete development by late 2026.
The government will allocate 630 billion won ($453 million) for Block III upgrades, which will introduce radar-absorbing materials, internalized electronic-warfare sensors, and an internal weapons bay similar to the F-35. This bay, slated for the early 2030s, is expected to house up to four Meteor air-to-air missiles or precision-guided bombs.
Meanwhile, Block II enhancements will focus on integrating air-to-ground strike capabilities and developing an indigenous jet engine to replace the US-made GE F414 turbofan. Valued at 86 billion won ($62 million), the engine program aims for completion by 2027.
Other planned upgrades include Hanwha Systems’ Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and collaboration with loyal wingman unmanned systems to expand the fighter’s operational flexibility.
