Seoul, — South Korea has launched a conceptual study for a next-generation fighter, with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) issuing a tender on August 21, 2026.
The study has a budget of KRW 900 million and will run for 14 months. It aims to define the operational concept and proposed Required Operational Capability (ROC) for a next-generation fighter by late 2027.
The work will include aircraft configuration design and analysis, mission-effectiveness analysis and the establishment of a baseline fighter configuration. It will also develop short-, mid- and long-term technology acquisition roadmaps linked to defense technology planning.
The study focuses on a future fighter based on manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), broadband stealth and artificial intelligence (AI). It will identify an aircraft configuration capable of meeting the proposed requirements. The resulting operational concepts, performance requirements and configuration proposals are expected to support future requirement proposals, preliminary studies and feasibility reviews.
Stealth Technology Development
The conceptual study will run alongside the Agency for Defense Development (ADD)’s Stealth Bridge Program, which is developing a full-scale testbed for integrating and demonstrating next-generation fighter structures, materials and sensor technologies.
The Stealth Bridge Program covers stealth airframe structure design and core-area verification, aviation multifunctional composites and low-observable sensor technology, and technology for integrated radar cross-section control. Each element is planned to run for about 48 months, with the overall effort intended to support later fighter development through technology transfer to industry.
Building on KF-21 Development
South Korea's current fighter program, the KF-21 Boramae, provides the foundation for the next stage of fighter development. The 4.5-generation aircraft completed system development in 2026 and is entering ROKAF service, with initial Block I aircraft focused on air-to-air missions.
Future KF-21 blocks are planned to add air-to-ground and other capabilities, while longer-term development includes stealth improvements, AI and MUM-T. The new conceptual study and Stealth Bridge Program are aimed at the step beyond the KF-21 toward a dedicated next-generation fighter design.
The tender seeks qualified bidders to conduct the conceptual work under the stated budget and schedule. Its results are expected to provide foundational data for subsequent planning and development decisions on South Korea's next-generation fighter.
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