015I don't get it.
?!?
I don't get it.
?!?
15 units of the KF-21 already in production? South Korea are certianly moving fast with the Boramea.
I can see that, this ALCM from their video presentation doesn't look like their domestically made cruise missile at allThere has been speculation that PTDI needed the prototype to make adjustment toward their own version the IFX (IF-21). Rumours say that DI want to integrate same armament make up in IFX and Rafale. Meteor already is fit for both Rafale and KF-21 , thus meaning potentially other MBDA armament.
Seems also that KAI is planning to integrate Storm Shadow/Scalp/Taurus because of Indonesia’s request.
The first production version of KF-21 is twin-seat version?
Gotta train ’em instructor pilotsThe first production version of KF-21 is twin-seat version?
The two seat will not doubt be fully combat capable but this is a Blk 1 aircraft which will be essentially A2A only. Blk 2 aircraft with A2G capabilities are not arriving until the first 40 Blk 1s are built so going on the production ramp up that is probably 2028 or maybe early 2029.Don't think so MadRat, just a trainer for now. Though I would not put it past KAI to build a strike variant of the Boramae in the future.
Out of the 4th gen fighters, I think it's been much more common to start with fighter capability and then add attack capability. The F-14, F-15, and F-16 all started out essentially as pure A2A aircraft. Only the F/A-18 started out with serious attack capability, because it was replacing A-7s. The MiG-29 and Su-27 basically started out as pure air superiority fighters. The Eurofighter and Rafale were intended to be multirole from the start, but their histories both demonstrate why the KF-21 is starting with A2A. The simple fact is that A2A is a simpler problem to solve than A2G. To be an effective fighter (especially against the North Korean Air Force), you need two sensors, a radar and an IRST, and two missiles, like an IRIS-T and a Meteor. All the different types of A2G missions can require dozens of different combinations of sensors and weapons, and all of those need to be integrated on the aircraft and with each other, and that process takes a lot of time.I find that a strange choice since bleeding edge fighter technology tends to begin with attack versions then become fighters. Programs like the F-15 or ATF are extremely rare to create an air superiority fighter first using bleeding edge technology.
With Blk 2 likely delivered 2028 or early 2029 as long as the DT&E around the A2G capability, such as integrated weapons and systems etc, is completed per the timeline, it might be 2030 before a squadron is IOC with Blk 2 but the jets will start rolling off earlier than that.Thanks Ozair, so no strike capable Boramae's until at some point in the 2030's at least.
The KF-21 intent all along has been to replace the F-4 and F-5 fleets. F-4 is already gone but the F-5s remain. FA-50 has obviously taken on portions of the A2G mission set until KF-21 goes multi-role.To attack successfully you want your capability to have an advantage. F-22A was an air supremacy goal, but stealth began with attack planes. When F-14 and F-15 were developed we enjoyed an edge with attack. Beginning KF-21 as a counter air fighter was a nod perhaps to what they already operate.