KF-21 Boramae fighter is not in the plans of the Peruvian Air Force
The Peruvian Air Force (FAP) enjoys a close relationship with Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI), with which it produced the KT-1P turboprop trainers in the last decade, through the state-owned company SEMAN.
The partnership was recently extended with the announcement that SEMAN will produce components for the 4.5 generation KF-21 Boramae fighter.
The scenario suggests that KAI would be one of the competitors for the renewal of the FAP’s fighter fleet, however, surprisingly, the South Korean company was excluded from the competition.
According to local media, the reason would be that the operational requirements definition phase was carried out in 2012 and defined the Saab Gripen, Dassault Rafale and Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters as the only competitors.
KAI has not given up and is trying to convince Peruvian officials with a generous package that includes logistical support and a program to develop the aerospace industry in the South American country.
In 2024, the company officially submitted a proposal to sell 24 Boramae fighters. KAI and the South Korean government, which intervened in the negotiation, claim that the international competition should have a larger number of participants so that the final result is the best possible.
The candidate that emerges as the most likely winner is the Gripen E/F, whose manufacturer, Saab, has obtained approval from the Swedish Parliament to sell a first batch of 12 aircraft.
Stealth variant in the future
The KF-21 has been rapidly developed by South Korea, which aims to have an advanced combat aircraft produced in the country and thus depend less on external suppliers.
But KAI’s plans go further and even include a 5th generation variant, with stealth capabilities.
The Boramae already has a two-seat variant and has already begun series production. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has acquired 120 fighters and is expected to receive the first KF-21s in 2026.
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Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
