India is currently not evaluating South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae fighter jet as part of its efforts to procure up to 114 advanced multi-role aircraft, local media reports confirmed.
Earlier this month, some sources suggested the Indian Air Force was reviewing the KF-21 for its affordability, upgrade prospects, and alignment with India’s defense manufacturing priorities. However, the military has since clarified to the Indian Defence Research Wing that no formal assessment of the KF-21 is taking place, nor has the aircraft been officially offered to India.
Though the KF-21 is seen as a modern and cost-effective solution for air forces worldwide, India appears unlikely to consider it at this point.
This position echoes a July Bloomberg report that said India had declined offers from the U.S. to procure the F-35 fighter jet.
India remains focused on advancing indigenous fighter programs and continues to assess more established platforms as part of its 114-aircraft procurement plan, the Indian Defence Research Wing noted.
About the KF-21 Boramae:
Developed by South Korea to replace its aging F-4 and F-5 fighters, the KF-21 program began in 2011, with a goal of inducting 120 jets by the 2030s. The aircraft is 17 meters long, features an 11-meter wingspan, and can carry up to 6,000 kg of fuel.
It is powered by two Hanwha/GE F414 engines producing 110,000 horsepower combined. The jet reaches speeds of Mach 1.8 (2,223 km/h or 1,381 mph), with a range of 1,500 nautical miles (2,778 km or 1,726 miles) and an operational ceiling of 16,700 meters (54,790 feet).
