South Korea has unveiled ambitious plans to transform its locally developed KF-21 Boramae fighter jet into a full fifth-generation stealth aircraft, with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) leading the development under funding allocated in the country's 2026 defense budget.
The upgraded KF-21EX variant will feature critical stealth enhancements including internal weapons bays capable of carrying four Meteor air-to-air missiles, advanced radar-evading materials, and a next-generation engine developed entirely in-country to achieve true fifth-generation capabilities.
KAI aims to complete Block I development by late 2026, followed by Block II with expanded air-to-ground capabilities by 2028, while the fully stealth-configured Block III KF-21EX is projected to reach operational maturity around 2039.
Seoul's Defense Acquisition Program Promotion Committee has accelerated the timeline for testing the fighter's air-to-ground weapons capabilities, with South Korea having already ordered 40 KF-21s and targeting a total fleet of 120 units through 2032.
The KF-21EX is specifically designed to penetrate advanced air defenses and engage hardened ground targets, positioning South Korea to compete in the global fifth-generation fighter market alongside established programs like Turkey's Kaan stealth jet.
