What Is The KAI KF-21 Boramae?
The KAI KF-21 Boramae. South Korean advanced multirole fighter bridging 4.5-gen operational capabilities with stealthy airframe geometry.
South Korea
Origin
Multirole
Role
Mach 1.81
Top speed
15,240 m
Service ceiling
KAI KF-21 Boramae Specifications
The KAI KF-21 Boramae is South Korea’s advanced 4.5-generation fighter aircraft bridging 4th-gen operational reliability with stealthy airframe design. Powered by dual General Electric F414 turbofans pushing Mach 1.81 and integrates modern AESA radar and infrared search-and-track systems.
Performance
Top speed
Mach 1.81 (1,400 mph)
Service ceiling
50,000 ft (15,240 m)
Combat radius
540 nmi (1,000 km)
Rate of climb
50,000 ft/min (254 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
1
Length
55 ft 5 in (16.90 m)
Wingspan
36 ft 9 in (11.20 m)
Empty weight
26,014 lbs (11,800 kg)
Engine
2x General Electric F414-GE-400K afterburning turbofans
Service
First flight
19 July 2022
Unit cost
$65 million
Operators
South Korea (ROKAF), Indonesia
What Weapons Does The KAI KF-21 Boramae Carry?
The KAI KF-21 Boramae is armed with an internal 20mm M61A2 Vulcan rotary cannon and 10 hardpoints, carrying Meteor BVR air-to-air missiles, IRIS-T infrared missiles, and precision standoff strike munitions.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
M61A2 Vulcan
Category
20 mm Rotary Cannon
Loadout
1 internal cannon
Range
1,800 metres (effective)
Meteor
Category
Beyond-Visual-Range Missile
Loadout
Up to 4 missiles
Range
200 km (124 miles)
IRIS-T
Category
Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
25 km (15.5 miles)
AIM-2000
Category
Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
25 km (15.5 miles)
KGGB
Category
Precision-Guided Bomb
Loadout
Up to 6 bombs
Range
100 km (62 miles)
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The KAI KF-21 Boramae?
The KF-21 is assessed at around Mach 1.8, roughly 1,400 mph. It uses the same F414 engines as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and has a similar configuration, though with attention paid to radar cross-section reduction in the intakes and airframe shaping. It is described as 4.5-generation rather than fifth, because early blocks carry weapons externally.
How Was The KAI KF-21 Boramae Developed?
The KF-X programme was launched in 2001 to replace South Korea's F-4 and F-5 fleets, with Indonesia joining as a partner in 2010. The United States declined to transfer several key technologies, notably AESA radar, forcing indigenous development. The prototype flew on 19 July 2022 and production was approved in 2024.
Has The KAI KF-21 Boramae Seen Combat?
The KF-21 has not seen combat and remains in the early stages of production and service entry.
Who Operates The KAI KF-21 Boramae?
The Republic of Korea Air Force is the launch operator, with an initial order of 120 aircraft and a long-term requirement of around 300. Indonesia's participation has been complicated by payment disputes, and its final order remains uncertain.
KAI KF-21 Boramae FAQs
Common questions about the KAI KF-21 Boramae, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the KAI KF-21 Boramae as a civilian?
No, the KAI KF-21 Boramae is not available for civilian passenger flights. Jetify offers flights in ex-military aircraft that have been demilitarised and placed on a civil register, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot, across 7 aircraft types from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the KAI KF-21 Boramae?
No, you cannot take the controls of the KAI KF-21 Boramae, because it is not available for civilian passenger flights. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the KAI KF-21 Boramae cost?
The KAI KF-21 Boramae is not available for civilian passenger flights, so there is no price for a flight in one. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, while the MiG-15 Fagot, Aermacchi S.211 and Lockheed T-33 start from around £2,800 ($3,800, €3,400). The Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, starts from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600. Every price is per person and includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening.
Are there weight limits on a jet flight instead of the KAI KF-21 Boramae?
The KAI KF-21 Boramae is not available for civilian passenger flights, but all jet flight experiences enforce strict height and weight limits set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force would I feel on a jet flight instead of the KAI KF-21 Boramae?
The KAI KF-21 Boramae is not available for civilian passenger flights, but on a civilian jet experience aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load. Supersonic and high-altitude profiles are physically far easier, and what happens in the air is agreed with your pilot and can be adjusted at any point.
How far in advance should I book a jet flight instead of the KAI KF-21 Boramae?
The KAI KF-21 Boramae is not available for civilian passenger flights, but you should book a real ex-military jet experience, such as the L-39 Albatros, 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
Explore the database
