USAF F-16s and South Korean F-35As exercise together in November 2022. The KF-21 is designed for capabilities above the fourth-generation F-16 but below the fifth-generation F-35

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: General Dynamics F-16A/C/E Fighting Falcon - СШАUSA - 1974Lockheed F-35A Lightning II - СШАUSA - 2006

The Taurus missile has been fitted to South Korea's F-15K Slam Eagles and could be applied to the KF-21

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle - СШАUSA - 1986

General Electric's F414 engine will power the KF-21 with the engine manufactured in South Korea. The F414 is a proven engine, but as an American design, it could undermine efforts to export the KF-21

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: KAI KF-21 Boramae / KF-X - Южная КореяSouth Korea - 2022

The final KF-21 prototype makes its maiden flight, this aircraft is a twin-seat variant

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: KAI KF-21 Boramae / KF-X - Южная КореяSouth Korea - 2022

The KF-21 took its maiden flight on July 19, 2002; note Meteor missiles were carried on each of the fuselage hardpoints with an internal weapons bay not currently utilised

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: KAI KF-21 Boramae / KF-X - Южная КореяSouth Korea - 2022

The KF-21 will be able to attain speeds of Mach 1.8. It will not have an internal weapons bay; instead, it will carry four MBDA Meteor long-range beyond visual air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM) in semi-recessed fuselage stations. A maximum payload of 7.7 tonnes across weapons sensors and drop tanks can be carried on ten hardpoints

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: KAI KF-21 Boramae / KF-X - Южная КореяSouth Korea - 2022

MBDA is offering several of its products for the KF-21, including the Brimstone anti-tank missile

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: KAI KF-21 Boramae / KF-X - Южная КореяSouth Korea - 2022

The KF-21 is categorised as 4.9-generation fighter due to its advanced technology and performance, which are closer to fifth-generation fighters compared to 4.5-generation fighters

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: KAI KF-21 Boramae / KF-X - Южная КореяSouth Korea - 2022

The KF-21 is rolled out on April 9, 2021

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: KAI KF-21 Boramae / KF-X - Южная КореяSouth Korea - 2022

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: KAI KF-21 Boramae / KF-X - Южная КореяSouth Korea - 2022