Korean KF-X Fighter Program

Super Flanker

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Congratulations to the South Koreans on KAI-FX's maiden flight.
 

MonaLazy

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South Korea's KF-21 downgraded 5th gen fighter takes first flight.
Some interesting nuggets about the KF-21. When So Ko started on this project in 2002 it found the aim too ambitious for its technological base and didn’t go anywhere near it until 2011, when it was compelled due to attacks from North Korea.
And after starting on the project in 2011, they found within 3/4 years that they still have significant technological deficiencies. That’s when they negotiated for the sharing of 21 key tech of the F-35 program from Lockheed Martin. Now tech sharing here is different from ToT.
Even with such tech sharing(sharing of know how and know why) from LM, SoKo spent $1.4 Billion in R&D and $7.2 Billion in total product development upto prototypes. But once the tech from LM came, the project proceeded really fast and within 7 years they have first flight.
GE engines, Ofcourse. The So Koreans have no illusions about developing any indigenous engine. They have a reliable ally in the US. AESA radar IRST were developed locally but using Western consultancy for testing and evaluation. CDR by 2019. First flight by 2022.

 

MonaLazy

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KF-21 Boramae Korean Fighter Jet - AESA Radar Update

Suprisingly in the screen showing AESA radars under dev around the world they do not highlight India (Uttam AESAR)! Looks like they are pretty unaware of what we are upto.

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KF-21 Boramae F414-GE-400K Engine Test


KF-21 Boramae takes its first flight on July 19, 2022
 

HitmanBlood

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The day is not far when in mmrca program this beauty will join and give a good competition to rafale
Good job SoKo
Year is 2030

MMRCA 3.0, RFP is out.

Responders, French Rafale and S Korean KF-X.

Indian Air Force says they are not committed to buy AMCA until MK2 version is ready for production with all changes that IAF requires. Meanwhile to fill gap in our capabilities Air force will need a 4.5 or 5th generation fighter in large numbers.
 

Dark Sorrow

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I believe the have done this on purpose.
It looks like a marketing ploy. They are downplaying their competitor's (our) technical advantages and advancements.
Koreans know their K-21 video will be viral.
Their T-50 is a direct competitor to HAL Tejas in several countries, hence downplaying India's AESA capabilities.
They will start projecting T-50 as the sole LIFT aircraft with AESA capabilities.
 

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