Saudis may acquire South Korean KF-21 fighter jets

A recent article from the Turkish defense publication TurkDef indicates that Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) of South Korea briefly presented its KF-21 Boramae fighter as a potential candidate for Saudi Arabia during a company briefing.

The report mentions that a slide featuring the South Korean fighter as a proposed option for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) was part of the presentation but was subsequently removed from social media platforms. However, TurkDef did not provide any visual evidence of the slide or the deleted image, leaving the assertion unverified.

Saudi Arabia’s ongoing pursuit of a fifth-generation fighter lends some credibility to the notion that Riyadh may be contemplating the KF-21. The Kingdom is actively exploring various fighter jet alternatives to enhance its fleet, which currently includes Eurofighter Typhoons and F-15SA Eagles.

The potential for South Korea to emerge as a supplier aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify its defense procurement. Recently, China has also attracted attention by offering its J-20 stealth fighter to the Kingdom, indicating a shift in the global fighter jet landscape where non-Western manufacturers are becoming increasingly significant.

Interest in the KF-21 follows reports from mid-October of the previous year, suggesting that Saudi Arabia was assessing Turkey’s KAAN fighter jet. Some Turkish sources even claimed that Riyadh was considering the acquisition of up to 100 units of the Turkish aircraft. While these reports remain speculative, they underscore Saudi Arabia’s apparent openness to exploring emerging fighter programs beyond traditional Western suppliers such as the United States and Europe.

South Korea’s KF-21, currently in the testing and development phase, is classified as a 4.5-generation fighter with plans to eventually integrate stealth features. Although it does not yet match the capabilities of fifth-generation aircraft such as the F-35 or J-20, its sophisticated avionics, AESA radar, and modular weapons system present a compelling option for countries looking for a capable and cost-efficient alternative to established Western fighters.

If the information from KAI’s presentation is accurate, it indicates that South Korea is keen to broaden its fighter jet export market beyond Indonesia, which is already a collaborative partner in the KF-21 initiative.

The potential interest of Saudi Arabia in acquiring the KF-21 raises significant considerations regarding technology transfer and industrial collaboration between Riyadh and Seoul. South Korea has a robust track record in technology transfers; however, past agreements related to the KF-21 suggest that the nation will proceed cautiously when it comes to sharing critical technologies.

For example, Indonesia, as an official partner in the KF-21 development, has encountered challenges in obtaining agreements for access to essential technologies utilized in the aircraft.

Should Saudi Arabia express genuine interest in the KF-21, it is probable that they will seek some level of technology transfer or even local production capabilities. This would be in line with Riyadh’s goals under its “Vision 2030” initiative, which aims to foster a domestic defense industry and lessen reliance on foreign military imports.

South Korea has established a history of industrial collaboration with Saudi Arabia, particularly in areas such as armored vehicles and air defense systems. However, it remains uncertain whether South Korea would be prepared to provide KF-21 production capabilities within Saudi Arabia.

A significant consideration is that the KF-21 incorporates Western technology, notably the General Electric F414 engines. Consequently, any agreement for technology transfer would necessitate approval from the United States, which could impose limitations on Saudi Arabia’s access to some of the aircraft’s advanced systems.

Should Saudi Arabia demand comprehensive access to avionics, radar, and stealth technologies, South Korea would have to engage in negotiations with its Western partners. Additionally, U.S. regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), could further complicate these discussions.

If a partnership between Saudi Arabia and South Korea were to develop, it would likely entail some level of industrial commitment; however, a complete technology transfer appears improbable.

The most feasible outcome would involve partial local assembly or the provision of specific components to aid Saudi Arabia in advancing its domestic aerospace industry, while restricting access to the most sensitive technologies of the aircraft.

The KF-21 Boramae is currently undergoing testing, which raises concerns about the timeline for its availability as an operational export option. The aircraft’s inaugural flight occurred in July 2022, and six prototypes are presently in the flight testing phase.

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is anticipated to start receiving production units in 2026, with Initial Operational Capability (IOC) expected around 2027.

The KF-21 is categorized as a 4.5-generation fighter, distinguishing it from fully stealthy fifth-generation aircraft. While it incorporates some stealth features, its initial version does not include internal weapons bays. Future enhancements are anticipated to introduce a more advanced stealth configuration, aligning it more closely with true fifth-generation capabilities.

Consequently, if Saudi Arabia expresses interest in the KF-21, the initial deliveries would likely be limited to a configuration that does not fully compete with the stealth capabilities of rival aircraft, which may present a disadvantage compared to other options available in the market.

In terms of the viability of a potential deal, a significant consideration is whether Saudi Arabia is prepared to invest in a fighter jet that has not yet completed all testing phases.

Air forces with substantial operational requirements, such as the Royal Saudi Air Force, typically favor platforms that are already proven and in active service. If Riyadh is looking for a swift replacement or addition to its F-15s and Eurofighters, the KF-21 may not be the most suitable option in the near term.

Another important factor is that the KF-21 was intended to serve as a more cost-effective alternative to the F-35, although an official export price has yet to be revealed. In comparison, Turkey is marketing its KAAN fighter as a lower-cost option against Western models, while China is expected to offer the J-20 at a competitive price point.

It is plausible that Saudi Arabia is leveraging its reported interest in the KF-21 to negotiate better terms with other suppliers, including the U.S., for the acquisition of the F-35 or additional Eurofighters.

The KF-21 seems to be a viable option for Saudi Arabia’s fighter modernization initiatives; however, it is reasonable to anticipate that Riyadh will hold off on making any definitive commitments until the program has successfully completed its testing phases.

Should Saudi Arabia be in pursuit of a fighter that balances cost-effectiveness with advanced technology, the KF-21 may serve as a long-term procurement choice. Nevertheless, its immediate role within the Saudi Air Force is still unclear.