IRIA News

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South Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a letter of intent for comprehensive cooperation on the development and operation of Seoul’s domestically developed KF-21 Boramae fighter jets, the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) announced.

The agreement, signed by the Republic of Korea Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Young-su and UAE Air Force Major General Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi, marks a pivotal step in military cooperation between the two nations.

This letter of intent will allow UAE Air Force personnel to participate in future exercises and air drills involving the KF-21. This collaboration aims to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding between the air forces of both countries.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced that a delegation led by the UAE Air Force Air Defense Commander visited its headquarters in Sacheon, Gyeongsangnam-do on April 16, 2025. The visit focused on inspecting key fighter jet production facilities, including those for the KF-21 and FA-50, and its next-generation manufacturing processes.

This visit signifies a significant milestone in the growing cooperation between the air forces of South Korea and the UAE.

KF-21 Boramae jet

The KF-21 Boramae represents a significant advancement in South Korea’s indigenous defense capabilities. Designed to reach maximum speeds of 2,200 kilometers per hour, the aircraft boasts a combat range of 1,000 kilometers.

Equipped with an infrared search and track system, electronic warfare suites, and an active electronically scanned array radar, the KF-21 can guide IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missiles, enhancing its combat effectiveness.

Currently, an estimated 40 units are in production, with a second batch of 20 jets scheduled after routine air-to-air missile and radar capabilities checks are completed. The production cost for the KF-21 planes is estimated at around $5.9 billion, according to Korean Aerospace Industries and co-manufacturer Indonesian Aerospace.

Strengthening bilateral ties

The agreement underscores the growing defense ties between South Korea and the UAE. By allowing UAE personnel to engage in future Korean Air Force KF-21 units, the partnership aims to foster comprehensive cooperation around the aircraft.

During the signing ceremony in Sacheon, UAE Brigadier General Azzan Al Nuaimi, head of the UAE’s Air Force Warfare Center, experienced a flight in the back seat of a KF-21 prototype, highlighting the hands-on approach of the collaboration.

Here’s the footage of AWC Commander Al-Nuaimi flying aboard #KAI’s #KF21Boramae prototype, experiencing its advanced avionics and flight performance firsthand. 🇰🇷🇦🇪 Both countries will continue sharing information on the aircraft’s ongoing development process.✈️ #PartnersInFlight pic.twitter.com/2W8Xr3Q1jS

— Hwarang (@KDefenseInsight) April 18, 2025

The UAE first expressed interest in the KF-21 in 2023 as part of its next-gen fighter jet strategy. This visit follows a February meeting between KAI President Kang Gu-young and the UAE Air Force’s Air Defense Commander at the IDEX 2025 defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, where Kang highlighted the KF-21’s progress and its potential integration with AI pilots for future combat scenarios.

UAE’s ambitions for air power

The UAE’s interest in the KF-21 aligns with its broader strategy to enhance its airpower capabilities. The nation has 80 Dassault Aviation Rafales on order, reflecting its commitment to modernizing its air force.

Previously, Abu Dhabi was cleared to obtain 50 Lockheed Martin F-35As through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales process. However, this deal fell through in late 2021 due to disagreements with the Biden administration.

In addition to Western aircraft, the UAE has reportedly expressed interest in the Chengdu J-20, though it remains unclear if Beijing is willing to sell the advanced fighter. At the 2015 Dubai Air Show, AVIC suggested it was seeking international partners for the J-31/FC-31 program, which has since evolved into the J-35A, showcased at the 2024 Zhuhai Air Show.

🇰🇷✈️🇦🇪 As part of growing 🇰🇷–🇦🇪 air force cooperation, the #UAE Air Force delegation visited #KAI’s facilities to inspect #KF21Boramae and #FA50 production. Notably, AWC Commander Al-Nuaimi personally boarded the KF-21 to witness its next-gen capabilities firsthand. pic.twitter.com/B5uh8B2YJd

— Hwarang (@KDefenseInsight) April 17, 2025

Furthermore, in late 2023, the UAE’s defense ministry confirmed a contract to obtain a dozen Hongdu L-15 jet trainers, indicating a diversified approach to its air force modernization.

Media reports also suggest that the UAE may be interested in the Turkish Aerospace Industries Kaan, another developmental fighter jet, as part of its efforts to expand and modernize its fleet.

UAE aerial capabilities

According to data analytics company Cirium, the UAE currently operates 137 in-service combat aircraft, comprising 59 Lockheed F-16Es/Fs and 78 Dassault Mirage 2000s. The average age of the F-16E/F fleet is 19.5 years, while the Mirage fleet averages 27.5 years. The pursuit of advanced aircraft like the KF-21 reflects the UAE’s intention to rejuvenate its aging fleet and maintain a competitive edge in aerial defense.

While the current agreement does not include details about the possibility of Abu Dhabi purchasing the KF-21 fighters, the collaboration sets the stage for potential future acquisitions. The KF-21 is expected to enter ROKAF service at the end of 2026, and its performance in upcoming exercises and drills will likely influence the UAE’s procurement decisions.

The partnership between South Korea and the UAE on the KF-21 program signifies a strategic alignment in defense interests and a mutual commitment to advancing military capabilities. As both nations continue to navigate the evolving landscape of global defense, such collaborations will play a crucial role in shaping their respective air force strategies.