After China and the United States, now South Korea has also announced plans to join the race to build sixth-generation fighter jets. According to a top aerospace official, South Korea is getting ready to develop its own advanced warplane.
At the Paris Air Show, Shin Dong-hak, who is Vice President of International Business at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), said that the technology they are working on like the 4.5-generation fighter jets and drones will eventually help them move toward building a sixth-generation fighter.
China’s Progress
China has already started testing its sixth-generation jet, which is being called the J-36. Recently, videos on social media showed the prototype in action. Reports say the J-36 is around 22 meters long with a wingspan of about 20 meters. It is powered by three WS-10C engines.
America’s Fighter Jet
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the US is moving ahead with its own sixth-generation jet program by giving Boeing the contract to build it. This new jet is named the F-47. Trump called it “the deadliest aircraft ever” and said that a test version had already been secretly flying for several years. The F-47 will be built at Boeing’s manufacturing plant.
South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae and FA-50
At the Paris Air Show held last week, South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) showcased its latest fighter jets. This included the KF-21 Boramae, a 4.5-generation jet developed entirely in South Korea, and the FA-50, a lightweight combat aircraft. Along with these jets, KAI also presented several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Experts believe that these fighter jets will soon be able to fly in coordination with drones.
The KF-21 is expected to officially join the South Korean Air Force by the end of next year.
South Korea to test multi-role combat UAV
Speaking at the air show, KAI Vice President Shin Dong-hak explained, “We are showcasing products that lay the groundwork for sixth-generation fighter capabilities.” He highlighted that UAVs are a big part of this future, and development is being steered in that direction.
Shin also mentioned that the KF-21 has an edge over others in its class due to its stealth features and advanced AI co-pilot software. It can control multi-role combat UAVs during missions.
KAI is planning to carry out flight tests for its new multi-role combat UAV during the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition later this year.
India and South Korea: Trusted Partners
India and South Korea share a strong and friendly relationship. The two countries have been working closely in various fields, including defense. Their official diplomatic ties began in 1962 and were upgraded to ambassador-level in 1973.
Over the years, the partnership between India and South Korea has grown in many areas i.e. economic, cultural, political, and military. In 2010, both countries signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to boost trade and investment. Later in 2015, they took the relationship a step further by declaring it a “Special Strategic Partnership.”
In the defense sector, India has also bought the K9 Vajra howitzers from South Korea.