A photo from a presentation made by KAI officials for Saudi Arabia about the KF-21 fighter jet was posted on social media, only to be removed shortly after.
As Saudi Arabia looks for a modern fighter jet solution alongside the plans for the GCAP programme, a new alternative is on the table: ROK’s locally developed KF-21.
Before KF-21, there were talks about the French-made Rafale as an interim solution, with the current political atmosphere blocking Saudi Arabia from the Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 4.
Additionally, the F-15EX Eagle II is another option, with Saudi Arabia already using the F-15SA, a variant of the F-15 modified for Saudi needs.
Saudi Arabia’s air force comprises aircraft and weaponry from the U.S. and the EU. KF-21 being designed to use equipment from both parties is an advantage as it would have access to a broad range of munitions like the existing Eurofighter Typhoons. The primary air-to-air armament consists of IRIS-T WVRAAM and Meteor BVRAAM; the air-to-surface options are JDAM, Paveway, and GBU-39 SDB with a series of locally developed munitions to be added.
For now, KF-21’s usage of U.S.-made F414-GE-400(K) engines might cause problems if F-15EX remains on the table. Even though the U.S. has provided considerable assistance in KF-21’s development, things going smoothly in the exports are a subject of doubt in these conditions.
