South Korea’s new KF-21 fighter jet no match for China’s J-20, analyst says

[moonstone_laura]

From 'South China Morning Post':

South Korea is working on a new warplane as it seeks to catch up with China and Russia, but military observers believe its new KF-21 fighter jet is far from comparable to advanced fifth-generation fighters like China’s Chengdu J-20.

However, if mass-deployed, the KF-21 could still alter the regional air force power balance, and also has potential to become a strong competitor in the global market, a Macau-based analyst said.

This came as the prototype of a KF-21 “Boramae” or “Hawk” completed a 30-minute test flight last Tuesday from the southern city of Sacheon.

South Korea hopes the home-grown four-plus generation warplane will serve as a cheaper alternative to the imported US Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, and also aims to promote it on the international arms market.

Its developer, Korea Aerospace Industries, even announced an upgrade plan to eventually modify the jet into a stealth fighter.

However, although the KF-21’s aerodynamic design adopted much of the features of a stealth fighter, the test flight indicated that it carried four model missiles on external hard points, suggesting very limited stealth capabilities.

The KF-21’s American-made F414-GE-400K engines are also a clear shortcoming, as their power would not be able to match fifth-generation fighters’ requirements for supercruise and manoeuvrability.

“The KF-21 is not even a competitor to the Chinese FC-31 [fighter jet], let alone the J-20,” Macau-based military commentator Antony Wong Tong said. “But it can be a good opponent to the later J-10 variants.”

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/militar ... 20-analyst

[Blue Diamond]

So a Chinese analyst says a Chinese fighter is better than a South Korean one. Quelle surprise.

[POL]

Considering the KF-21 is to replace F-4 and F-5 in Korean service, I can't say I'm surprised.

[wessexspotter]

Well the K-21 looks the biz if that's anything to go by - looks way more fighter-like than the F35

[Vulcanone]

Interesting observation from a nobody in China, sorry Macau...

Given that the Chinese J20 has copied engines from (whatever), and the Koreans are using the same engines as the Super Hornet.

[Vulcanone]

So a Chinese analyst says a Chinese fighter is better than a South Korean one. Quelle surprise.

It is all very nice the Chinese copying, nay hacking the designs from other companies, but build as many as you like. The Currently Russian Farcical nee Idiotic adventure shows they aren't doing well. I hope China doesn't follow the lead and try it on with Taiwan.....

[moonstone_laura]

From 'The Japan Times':

South Korea’s homegrown KF-21 fighter takes to the skies for first time (includes some nice video of the KF-21's maiden flight)

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/ ... 1-fighter/

[wessexspotter]

So a Chinese analyst says a Chinese fighter is better than a South Korean one. Quelle surprise.

It is all very nice the Chinese copying, nay hacking the designs from other companies, but build as many as you like. The Currently Russian Farcical nee Idiotic adventure shows they aren't doing well. I hope China doesn't follow the lead and try it on with Taiwan.....

One would have thought the Chinese would have learnt from all of Russia's state-sponsored online hype regarding the Su57 and Checkmate, pride coming before a fall and all that.

[Angel15]

Such insight after one test flight!