Charles Esther
Turkey and South Korea are no longer content to sit on the sidelines of global military aviation.
With the TF Kaan and KF-21 Boramae, both nations are aiming to enter the elite club of 5th-generation fighter jet producers.
This move could mark the end of the near-monopoly held by superpowers like the United States, China, and Russia.
Twelve countries currently operate one of the four fighter jet models considered truly 5th-gen: the U.S. F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, China’s J-20, and Russia’s Su-57.
By 2030, that number could jump significantly, and not just among operators — but also among manufacturers.
What Makes a 5th-Generation Fighter Jet So Powerful?
Since the F-22’s introduction in 2005, 5th-gen jets have ruled the skies.
They combine superior speed and maneuverability with cutting-edge electronics, stealth capabilities, and advanced radar systems.
These jets are designed to be highly survivable and lethal in modern warfare.
To date, only a few nations have developed them, mainly because of the intense cost and technological complexity.
But South Korea and Turkey are closing that gap quickly.
South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae – A ‘Fighting Hawk’ in Flight
Developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the KF-21 Boramae was officially unveiled in April 2021.
Its origin dates back to 2001, when South Korea began seeking a domestic replacement for its aging fighter jets.
The KF-21 first flew on July 19, 2022, and reached supersonic speeds in January 2023.
Since then, six prototypes have completed over 1,000 sorties — including air-to-air refueling and weapons separation tests.
It boasts a top speed of Mach 1.8, a 50,000-foot ceiling, and can carry 17,000 pounds of weapons.
The aircraft is equipped with AESA radar, one of the key systems that gives fighter jets powerful multi-target tracking ability.
Some prototypes even have tandem seating for enhanced training or drone coordination missions.
While currently a 4.5-generation fighter due to lacking full stealth features like internal weapon bays and radar-absorbent materials, that status may soon change.
KAI is developing a stealthier variant called the KF-21EX.
Planned upgrades include internal weapons bays, improved RAM coatings, and infrared signature reduction technology.
Deliveries of the initial 20 KF-21s are scheduled to begin between 2026 and 2027, with a total of 120 expected by 2032.
Turkey’s TF Kaan – The ‘King of Kings’ Takes Off
Turkey’s TF Kaan is being built by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) as a fully-fledged 5th-generation jet.
Initially planned as a complementary asset to the F-35s, the Kaan became the centerpiece of Turkish fighter development after the U.S. removed Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019.
TAI presented a full-scale mock-up in 2019 and unveiled the working prototype in 2023.
Its first flight occurred in 2024, followed by additional test flights.
With a length of 66 feet and a wingspan of 44 feet, the Kaan closely resembles the F-22.
It can reportedly carry up to 20,000 pounds of weapons, though only 1,000 pounds internally — a limitation that affects stealth.
The aircraft features AESA radar, but it’s unclear whether Turkey has developed the high-quality radar-absorbent material needed for full stealth.
However, Turkish companies previously played key roles in the F-35 program, including producing critical components like airframe panels and weapons bay doors.
This gives Turkey a strong foundation to build its own stealth aircraft.
TAI is constructing more prototypes, with the first 20 Kaans expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2029.
Expanding Influence Through Exports
Both jets are also poised to be exported to nations that may not otherwise have access to advanced stealth fighters.
Indonesia, a development partner of the KF-21, is set to receive 48 jets, although funding issues persist.
KAI is also courting interest from Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, the Philippines, the UAE, Poland, and Peru.
The Kaan has generated even more excitement.
Azerbaijan joined the program in 2023 and could become its first foreign customer.
Turkey and Pakistan are discussing a joint production facility, and Saudi Arabia reportedly wants to purchase 100 units.
The UAE and Ukraine have also shown interest in future collaboration.
Why This Matters for Global Military Power
Until recently, only a handful of superpowers controlled 5th-generation fighter technology.
That era is ending.
Turkey and South Korea are proving that rising powers can break into this exclusive club.
Even if their first-generation stealth jets don’t match the F-22 or J-20 in stealth, their progress is undeniable.
This shift could lead to more widespread access to advanced fighter technology.
It could also mean a rebalancing of air power around the globe — especially in regions long dominated by American or Russian jets.
With more countries pushing for stealth capability, the skies of the future may be more crowded, more contested, and more advanced than ever before.
