South Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a major cooperation in the field of aerospace and defense. The agreement between the air forces of the two countries covers the KF-21 Boramae, a new-generation fighter jet developed by South Korean defense giant Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). This strategic partnership will allow UAE personnel to visit the KF-21 aircraft and participate in flight tests in the future.
The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) announced that the signed letter of intent will allow the UAE to participate as an observer in future exercises involving twin-engine fighter jets. According to Flight Global, the agreement was signed in Sacheon between South Korean Air Force Commander General Lee Young-su and UAE Air Force Commander Rashid Al-Shamsi, who is on an official visit to the North Asian country. The signing ceremony is considered a concrete step in defense cooperation between the two countries.
As part of the agreement, Brigadier General Azzan Alnuaimi, Head of the UAE Air Force Warfare Centre, conducted a test flight in the back seat of the KF-21 prototype. This experience allowed the UAE to become familiar with the aircraft’s capabilities and gain first-hand knowledge of potential integration processes. Two of the six KF-21 fighters in KAI’s test fleet are reportedly twin-seat versions, providing a significant advantage for future joint training and evaluation activities.
The UAE is known for its determination to increase its air power capabilities. The country recently ordered 80 Rafale fighter jets to strengthen its fleet. In addition, during the administration of former US President Donald Trump, an agreement in principle was reached to purchase 50 F-35A fighter jets, but the deal did not materialize as the UAE could not reach an agreement with the Biden administration.
Abu Dhabi continues to seek to procure fighter jets from different sources. According to media reports, the UAE has also expressed interest in the Chinese-made Chengdu J-20 fighter jet. However, it is not yet clear how willing Beijing is to export the advanced fighter jet. Despite this, the UAE continues to have defense contacts with China. In late 2023, the UAE Ministry of Defense signed a contract with a Chinese firm to purchase a dozen Hongdu L-15 jet trainers.
Türkiye’s national combat aircraft KAAN is also one of the platforms on the UAE’s radar. TAI General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu stated in a statement at the IDEX 2025 fair that the United Arab Emirates is closely interested in the KAAN project. Demiroğlu also stated that the UAE has serious intentions regarding the ANKA III unmanned aerial vehicle and that different joint platform development projects may come to the agenda in the future.
This KF-21 cooperation between South Korea and the UAE is considered an important development in terms of regional security dynamics. The emergence of the KF-21 as a potential solution partner in the UAE's search for a modern fighter jet also presents a significant export opportunity for the South Korean defense industry. This strategic partnership between the two countries is expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation in the fields of defense and aviation in the future.
