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Will South Korea’s KF-21 fighter be an option for the PAF?
KF-21 Prototype #6 first flight, June 28, 2023. KOREA AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES
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By Rex Anthony Naval
ILL South Korea’s KF-21 “Boramae,” which is being developed and marketed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) as an “evolutionary next-generation fighter with affordability,” bring the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to a limited “stealth age”?
In the thinking of KAI, having such—the capability to fly and conduct operations undetected by hostile radar—would be the best bet for PAF to achieve its vision of being “credible, agile and responsive” to modern warfare. In fact, the South Korean aircraft manufacturer openly pitched for the KF-21 in its presentation during the Air Force Symposium held at the Marriott Hotel, Pasay City, on June 21. In that presentation, KAI Regional Manager and Chief, Aircraft BD and Sustainment, Kim Sang Eung said the KF-21 can evolve towards the so-called “fifth/sixth generation fighter” class and has an “affordable life cycle cost in its class,” which is an interesting description of the aircraft as the PAF operates only on a given budget for its modernization and acquisition programs. Kim noted also that the KF-21 has a “less problematic export control” and a “customizable aircraft configuration” and could easily accommodate various weapons based on the customers’ preference. The KAI executive added, as sweetener, that they are “open to construct a long-term partnership with customers.” This refers to KAI’s willingness to go into joint production technology transfer with potential KF-21 buyers.
Kim added that KAI is also offering a “bespoke solution considering customer’s capability and environment.” The KF-21 is expected to go into full production by 2026 with an initial 40 aircraft to be delivered by 2028. South Korea is expected to operate a fleet of 120 aircraft by 2032.
Some KF-21 specifications
THE KF-21 is described as “stealthier than any fourth-generation fighter” in service, with South Korea categorizing the aircraft into the 4.5 generation class. It has a maximum speed of 1,400 miles per hour or around 1,216 knots. It has a combat range of 620 miles, which is equivalent to 540 nautical miles. The aircraft is armed with a 20mm rotary autocannon and equipped with 10 hardpoints to carry an assortment of long-, medium-, and short-range missiles and unguided and guided bombs. The first prototype was completed and unveiled at KAI headquarters in Sacheon Airport in April 2021, with the aircraft having its first flight on July 19, 2022. The KF-21 is a South Korean fighter aircraft development pro-
gram, with Indonesian involvement, with the goal of producing an advanced multi-role fighter for South Korea and Indonesia. The program is led by the South Korean government, which has 60 percent of the program’s shares. Indonesia took a 20-percent stake in the program in 2010, while the remaining 20 are held by private partners including KAI. Its primary intended users are the Republic of Korea Air Force and the Indonesian Air Force. The KF-21 is South Korea’s second domestic fighter jet development program, following the FA-50, of which 12 units are now in service with the PAF. Earlier, the PAF said it is keeping close watch on ongoing developments in the KF-21, which is now undergoing flight testing. It added that it cannot just close options when there are new systems that may be able to compete with other systems and which may fit into our requirement for defense.
Retrofit FA-50s for now
WHILE waiting for the full development of the KF-21, Kim also suggested that PAF upgrade its existing FA-50PH fleet with more capable versions of the South Koreamade jet aircraft. Retrofits should make the 12 FA-50PHs in the PAF capable of conducting air-to-ground, air-tosea, and air-to-air missions. These include equipping these aircraft with an assortment of radar and targeting systems along with a 300-gallon external fuel tank to increase the FA-50PH’s combat range. Kim said these proposals are the “most cost-effective solutions” and will be in line with PAF’s objectives of being a “credible and agile air force adaptable to modern warfare and responsive to national and
regional security developments.” He also stressed that the PAF looked into the possibility of acquiring “three upgraded FA-50 squadrons at three key points for covering whole Philippine territory and rapid response to threats.” The KAI executive pointed out that their FA-50 is “the most costefficient solution that customers around the world opt to procure as next-generation multi-role fighter aircraft.” The “advanced combat capability of the FA-50 provides customers with more choice for flexible operation,” he added. The FA-50PHs have a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound, and is capable of being fitted with air-toair missiles, including the AIM-9 “Sidewinder” air-to-air and heatseeking missiles, aside from light automatic cannons and bombs. A total of 12 FA-50s were acquired from Korea Aerospace Industries for P18.9 billion. The deliveries commenced in November 2015 and were completed in May 2017. The FA-50PHs had their baptism of fire during the Battle for Marawi, where it was extensively used in the air role, in the fighting that raged from May to October 2017.
trusted with the task of upholding our national interests, protecting our people, and defending our territory,” he said during the anniversary celebrations held at Clark Air Base, Pampanga. Marcos also reminded the Air Force of challenges that will test them to the utmost. “The days ahead will not be easy and will demand every ounce of your strength and resilience. The winds of change signal geopolitical changes around our region and other parts of the world that as yet affect us. The PAF’s maritime air patrol missions are thus essential in upholding our territorial integrity and safeguarding Philippine maritime zones,” he added. The PAF was established on July 1, 1947, through Executive Order 94. This year’s anniversary carries
the theme: “PAF@76: Accelerating with Excellence Towards A More Capable, Credible and Sustainable Force.” “Throughout history, the dedication and sacrifice demonstrated by all the personnel has paved the way for the PAF’s growth and success over the last 76 years. We stand today to recognize the outstanding PAF officers, members and units who have shown exemplary dedication to securing our nation and defending our skies,” Marcos said. “You have contributed in laying the groundwork for the enhancement of our aerial defense capabilities. So, on behalf of the Filipino people, I thank you for your service. May you continue doing your best in all the endeavors that you are given and inspire your fellow airmen and airwomen to do the same,” he added.
PBBM hails PAF for maintaining PH territorial integrity
MEANWHILE, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lauded the PAF for upholding the territorial integrity of the Philippines and safeguarding its maritime zones as the service celebrated its 76th founding anniversary on July 3. “The achievements exemplify the values that the PAF stands for: integrity, excellence and patriotism. As members of the PAF, you must always uphold these values as the custodians of our skies, en-
PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 54.5680 n JAPAN 0.3953 n UK 71.6587 n HK 6.9763 n CHINA 7.6335 n SINGAPORE 41.2706 n AUSTRALIA 37.5755 n EU 61.2635 n KOREA 0.0431 n SAUDI ARABIA 14.5449 Source: BSP (July 14, 2023)