The Republic of Korea (ROK) defence budget, approved by the country’s parliament, foresees an increase of 4.2 per cent compared to the previous year. ROK will spend approximately $50.2 billion (RM225 billion) in 2024. The budget provides financial support for the mass production of the new KF-21 Boramae in 2024. Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI will deliver the first aircraft in 2026. To this end, the country’s defence budget foresees an expenditure of $201.6 million to prepare the aircraft’s production line. KAI will produce 20 KF-21 units for initial production, down from the previous target of 40 units. So far, the KF-21 has completed 140 flight tests. In addition, the budget also provides for certification expenditure for the Meteor long-range anti-aircraft missile on the aircraft.
The KF-21 aircraft will replace ROK Air Force’s (ROKAF) ageing F-4D/E Phantom II and F-5E/F Tiger II. The 4.5 generation aircraft incorporates AESA technology radar, an infrared search and target detection system and an integrated electronic warfare system. The twin-engine aircraft receives its power from co-developed by General Electric and Hanwha Aerospace F414-GE-400K engines. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet flies with the F414-GE-400 version.
