South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration has launched a concept study for a next-generation fighter beyond the KF-21 Boramae, opening a 14-month tender worth about 900 million won. The study will define the aircraft’s operational concept, configuration and technology roadmap, with bids due on 1 October.
The early-stage programme is intended to shape later requirements work rather than commit the country to full development. DAPA is seeking ideas for manned-unmanned teaming, broadband stealth and AI-enabled operations as it examines how a future Korean fighter could counter emerging threats.
The tender also reflects Seoul’s longer-term effort to map out technologies for a more advanced combat aircraft, including potential stealth-focused configurations and mission-effectiveness studies. No production decision has been taken, and the concept phase remains separate from any formal launch of aircraft development.