Korea's New Hunting Hawk Readies for First Flight | Aviation International News

Korea's New Hunting Hawk Readies for First Flight

KAI expects to fly the prototype of its KF-21 Boramae multirole fighter this year.

The first prototype KF-21 stands in a near-complete state during ground tests ahead of its maiden flight. (Photo: KAI)

February 12, 2022

This year will likely prove critical for the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-21 Boramae, Korea’s new indigenous fighter, as its manufacturer prepares for a maiden flight scheduled for July. The KF-21 is KAI’s most advanced aircraft program to date, and although the Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) classes the KF-21 as a 4.5-generation fighter because it lacks internal weapons carriage, it reportedly plans a more stealthy variant.

Despite its lack of true low-observable capability, many analysts believe that the KF-21 will enjoy a very low frontal radar cross-section and good electronic warfare capabilities, ensuring a high level of survivability. It also will likely fly higher and faster than the F-35, while carrying a formidable weapons load, particularly for air-to-air missions.

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