Philippines eyeing KF-21, could it be the first customer outside of Korea?

Описание: The Philippines did not rule out acquiring the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet made in South Korea which is currently undergoing various tests.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesman Colonel Maynard Mariano told the PNA news agency that the KF-21 was being considered as one of the potential competitors for the multi-role fighter (MRF) project that would complement the PAF.

Admittedly, the KF-21 offers advanced technology compared to other competitors of the fourth generation aircraft.

"More stealthy than the fourth-generation fighter, is being considered for the MRF project," Mariano said.

The opportunity to choose the KF-21 in the MRF project, he continued, still exists because the PAF cannot close the option when there is a new system that can compete.

"The PAF is monitoring this, we cannot close our options when there is a new system that may be able to compete with other systems and which may suit our needs for defence," he said.

The PAF MRF project requires at least 12 fourth-generation fighters capable of integrating with existing radar systems and having a range of at least 250 nautical miles.

The project itself has not yet received funding and will only be rolled out.

Mariano expects the KF-21 to be a worthy fighter like the FA-50PH which was also purchased from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).

The PAF currently has 12 FA-50 Fighting Eagles in service.