South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has selected the Korean Aerosp...
South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has selected the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) as the preferred bidder to develop the indigenous KF-X fighter for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) and Indonesian Air Force
The $8.3 billion Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) program will replace the aging fleet of McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom and Northrop F-5 fighters with ROKAF.
KAI has developed a KT-1 basic trainer, FA-50 advanced trainer in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and a utility helicopter named Surion. The experience gained through these programs will be leveraged to develop the new home grown fighter.
The KF-X is envisaged as a multi role, single seat, twin engined fighter jet that is more advanced than the present Lockheed Martin F-16, but not as the F-35.
KF-X will feature a domestically produced AESA radar, better electronic warfare system, IRST, supercruise and basic stealth capabilities
The Indonesian government has 20 percent share in the program. Total production will be for around 250 fighters, including 120 for ROKAF, 80 for the Indonesian Air Force and remaining for export customers.
