The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a decisive step by announcing its involvement in South Korea’s KF-21 fighter project. The UAE’s commitment extends to covering Indonesia’s share of the investment, marking a crucial milestone in the growing partnership between the UAE and South Korea. This momentous announcement was made during the 2023 summit, where the UAE and South Korea solidified their “special strategic partnership” by agreeing to invest a substantial $30 billion in various Korean sectors, including Nuclear Power, Energy, Hydrogen, and Defense. This move underscores the deepening cooperation and shared interests between the two nations. The KF-21 project, previously known as the KAI KF-X, is reaching its zenith as it progresses toward full-scale production by 2024, following successful testing phases. The UAE’s previous investments in advanced Korean weaponry, such as the M-SAM Block-II interceptor and Chunmoo, have hinted at a burgeoning defense collaboration that is now set to flourish with this latest development.
One of the key aspects of the UAE’s involvement is its commitment to covering Indonesia’s unsettled contribution, which amounts to nearly 1 trillion won. This magnanimous gesture not only solidifies the UAE’s role in the project but also fosters trilateral cooperation between Korea, Indonesia, and the UAE. However, it is not without its complexities, as it involves export approvals and intricate coordination among the participating countries. The Tawajun Economic Committee, responsible for the UAE’s defense industry acquisitions, has already submitted a proposal to Korea’s National Security Office for collaboration on the KF-21 project. While the finer details of the agreement remain undisclosed, anticipation is building as UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is scheduled to visit Korea in October. This visit is expected to finalize the partnership and outline the specifics of the UAE’s investment.
It’s worth noting that the KF-21 project has garnered attention on a global scale, with Poland expressing a keen interest in participating. This growing international interest highlights the potential for future collaborations and partnerships stemming from the KF-21 project. The KAI KF-21 Boramae, as it is formally known, is a South Korean-led fighter aircraft development program aimed at producing an advanced multirole fighter for both the South Korean and Indonesian air forces. The program is characterized by its claims of stealth capabilities exceeding those of fourth-generation fighters. Although it currently does not incorporate internal weapon bays like fifth-generation fighters, there is the possibility of introducing them in later stages of development.
Led primarily by the South Korean government, which holds a 60% stake in the program, the project also includes Indonesia with a 20% stake and private partners, including the manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). With the completion of the first prototype in April 2021 and the commencement of test flights in July 2022, manufacturing is scheduled to begin in 2026. Plans call for the delivery of at least 40 aircraft by 2028, and South Korea envisions deploying a total of 120 of these advanced fighters by 2032, with export potential to the global market. The UAE’s commitment to investing in the KF-21 project not only strengthens its defense capabilities but also cements its position as a key player in international defense collaborations, paving the way for a promising future of shared technological advancements and strategic partnerships.
