The Philippines is set to reach a new milestone in its efforts to modernise its air force fleet, as sources claim it has agreed to acquire 20 export versions of South Korea’s domestically developed KF-21 Boramae fighter jets.
Last year, the Philippine government announced its intention to purchase 40 multirole fighter jets, including other complementary assets like AEWACS (airborne early warning and control systems), to significantly boost its air force’s capabilities.
The rising tension in the South China Sea since 2015 has prompted Manila to shed its insurgency-focused military doctrine by acquiring armaments and weapon systems designed for external operations, even beyond the country’s waters.
The search for MRF continues
In a Facebook post by independent analyst Max Defense, it was claimed that the Filipino and Korean governments have effectively made a “done deal” regarding the acquisition of the multirole fighter (MRF) jets.
While it clarified that its South Korean sources did not specifically claim that there is an agreement already signed on the table between the two sides, Max Defense said that discussions were already completed with regard to the terms of reference, price, and delivery dates for the assets.
Max Defense also said that Seoul has already adjusted financial support limits in the upcoming deal through the Korean Export-Import Bank.
It claimed that this will give the Philippines a more flexible financing scheme, up to 70 percent of the total cost to be paid over a longer setup.
It means that if what Max Defense said is accurate, the Philippine government will only need to pay 30 percent of the total cost upfront, while the remaining balance will be settled in the form of loans.
The total cost could reach up to $2 billion (KRW3 trillion or PHP122 billion), with a 15 percent deposit worth KRW450 billion (PHP18 billion).
This would be the largest military acquisition deal of the Philippines in modern history, surpassing the $700-million purchase of an additional 12 FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea signed last year.
On the other hand, it remains to be seen what the Philippine government plans for the other 20 fighter jets it aims to acquire. The government is expected to go for a cheaper but capable platform to pair up with Boramae, like Sweden’s JAS-39 Gripen E.
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What is the KF-21 Boramae?
The KF-21 Boramae is a twin-engine indigenous fighter jet developed by South Korea through the Korean Aerospace Industries.
The Boramae’s Block I and II programmes are expected to feature semi-stealth technology, including manned-unmanned teaming capabilities.
The Block III variant, meanwhile, will be fully stealth, including an internal weapons bay similar to the United States’ F22 and F-35 stealth jets.
The Boramae fighter programme made South Korea the fourth nation in the world to produce stealth fighter jets after the US, Russia, and China.
Acquiring Boramae will provide the Philippine Air Force with substantial aerial denial and monitoring capabilities in its patrolling operations in the country’s maritime domains.
Designated as a 4.5-generation fighter platform, Boramae can reach up to a speed of 1.8 Mach, while its maximum combat radius is measured at 1,000 kilometres.
It also offers advanced avionics and other systems like its AESA radar, infrared search and track system, and other electronic warfare suites.
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Maybelene Marcelino 
Wendellyn Mateo 
Carmela Calling