South Korea Unveiled a Prototype of KAI KF-21 “Boramae”

Superficially, it appears to be a very significant achievement for South Korea on top of the existing FA/TA-50.

However there is a long way to go, especially in terms of big unknown capabilities of network/sensor fusion and integration of US systems.

Kinematics and stealth are often the areas of focus when network/sensor fusion may be where the greatest value may lie.

Sweden have had a lot of success with the JAS-39 Gripen integrating US systems as well as enjoying a good level of export success.

The Israeli Lavi cancelled in the 80’s ran into a number of problems that may have included confliction/cannibalisation risk with the then string F16 export market.

Perhaps the KF-21 could represent a low(er) option for the high(er) F35.

Something akin to the low(F16)/high(F15) mix of the 1970’s.

Here is Twitter thread.[0]

[0] https://twitter.com/TheBlueHouseKR/status/138046938628105830...