South Korea invests in modernizing the KF-21 fighter to compete with the F-35

English Posted on  —by Carro e motos
South Korea invests in modernizing the KF-21 fighter to compete with the F-35
South Korea invests in modernizing the KF-21 fighter to compete with the F-35 (X @idrwalerts)

South Korea is accelerating the development of the KF-21 fighter, aiming to turn it into a full fifth-generation model.

The government included significant funds in the 2026 defense budget to modernize the platform, develop stealth technologies, and integrate combat systems directly into the aircraft structure.

The total project funding increased from $9.4 billion to $17.3 billion, including $62.2 million for developing a turbojet engine and $455.8 million for infrastructure, production facilities, and control systems.

Additionally, in 2025, development of a domestically produced missile begins with a budget of $36.5 million.

Between 2026 and 2028, South Korea plans to conduct new tests and develop the Block II and Block III versions of the KF-21, which are expected to feature advanced sensors, electronic warfare systems, stealth technologies, and integrated weapons, enhancing its potential to rival the F-35 in performance and combat capabilities.

Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @idrwalerts | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team

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