WorldTekhno.com: Indonesia through its Ministry of Defense and the Turkish Defense Industry Secretariat (Savunma Sanayii Baskanligi/SSB) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the purchase of 48 5.0 generation fighter jets made by Turkish Aerospace Industries, KAAN, on the first day of the Indo Defense Expo & Forum at Jiexpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, Wednesday.
Then how is the continuation of Indonesia’s cooperation with South Korea for the South Korean KF-21 Boramae fighter jet project? Although it has agreed with Turkey to purchase 48 KAAN fighter jets,
Indonesia is still continuing the KF21 jet project with South Korea. And it has reportedly completed an agreement to cut Jakarta’s share of payments for the KF-21 Boramae.
The KF-21 Boramae aircraft from South Korea and the KAAN (formerly TF-X) from Turkey are two ambitious fighter jet projects that demonstrate the progress of each country’s aerospace technology. Both are designed to be advanced multi-role fighters, although there are significant differences in development status, capabilities, and design philosophy.
The KF-21 Boramae is officially classified as a “4.5 generation” fighter jet. This means it has many of the advanced features found on fifth-generation jets (such as advanced avionics, AESA radars, and reduced radar cross-section/RCS), but may not have the true “stealth” levels of a full fifth-generation jet (e.g., the F-22 or F-35). However, there are plans to integrate higher stealth capabilities in the future.
The KF-21 Boramae made its maiden flight in July 2022 and continues to undergo an extensive testing phase. South Korea plans to produce 40 units by 2028, increasing to 120 units by 2032. Indonesia is a partner in the project.
Meanwhile, the KAAN jet is a pure “fifth-generation” fighter jet. And this indicates a stronger focus on stealth capabilities from the start of the design, including an internal weapons bay to reduce radar signature. The KAAN made its maiden flight in February 2024. Although its development is slightly slower than the KF-21, Turkey has big ambitions for the KAAN, including a target of delivering 20 units by 2028. Indonesia has also shown interest and has even confirmed that it will buy 48 KAAN units.
- Dimensions and Weight:
• KF-21 Boramae:
○ Length: 16.9 m
○ Wingspan: 11.2 m
○ Height: 4.7 m
○ Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW): about 25,600 kg.
• KAAN:
○ Length: about 21 m
○ Wingspan: about 14 m
○ Height: about 6 m
○ Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW): about 27,215 kg to 34,750 kg (data varies)
○ Conclusion: The KAAN is slightly larger and has a higher MTOW than the KF-21, potentially allowing for a larger weapons and fuel payload capacity.
- Engine:
• KF-21 Boramae: Uses two General Electric F414-GE-400K afterburning turbofan engines (the same engines as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet).
• KAAN: Initially powered by two General Electric F110-GE-129 engines (the same engine as the F-16). However, Turkey plans to switch to a domestic engine, the TEI TF35000, which is under development.
- Maximum Speed:
• KF-21 Boramae: Mach 1.81 (approx. 2,222 km/h)
• KAAN: Mach 1.8 (approx. 2,200 km/h)
• Conclusion: Both have similar maximum speeds.
- Avionics and Systems:
Both aircraft are equipped with advanced features such as:
AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) • Radar: Important for long-range target detection and multi-target capability.
• Advanced Avionics System: To enhance the pilot’s situational awareness.
IRST (InfraRed Search and Track): To detect and track targets based on heat emissions.
• EW (Electronic Warfare) Suite: To protect the aircraft from threats.
• Glass Cockpit: With advanced multifunction display.
- Armament:
Both aircraft are designed to carry a wide range of weapons, including:
• Air-to-Air Missiles: For example, MBDA Meteor, AIM-120 AMRAAM, IRIS-T, AIM-9X Sidewinder (for KF-21), and Turkish GÖKTUĞ program missiles (Peregrine, Merlin, Gökhan) for KAAN.
• Air-to-Surface Missiles: Such as Taurus KEPD 350, AGM-65 (for KF-21), and SOM, KUZGUN, AKBABA series missiles (for KAAN).
• Precision Bombs: Various types of laser or GPS-guided smart bombs.
• Cannon: Usually a 20mm or 30mm gatling cannon.
The main difference lies in the location of the weapons storage. The KF-21 (currently) relies on external hardpoints, while the KAAN has an emphasis on internal weapons bays to increase stealth capabilities.***