South Korea launches study for sixth-generation fighter

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has launched a 14-month conceptual study to define the requirements for a future sixth-generation fighter aircraft. The initiative, backed by a budget of 900 million won (approximately $650,000), seeks to leverage expertise gained from the KF-21 Boramae program to establish a long-term combat-air advantage.

The study invites industry proposals for airframe configurations, technology roadmaps, and capability assessments. DAPA has identified two primary competing design paths: a tailless configuration intended to minimize radar reflections and a more conventional design utilizing standard control surfaces. Key technological requirements include broadband radar-absorbent coatings, adaptive-cycle engines capable of supersonic cruise without afterburners, and internal weapons bays.

A central focus of the project is the integration of artificial intelligence for sensor fusion and the development of manned-unmanned teaming capabilities, allowing crewed fighters to direct uncrewed aircraft. This effort runs in parallel with the Agency for Defense Development’s (ADD) Stealth Bridge Program, which recently unveiled its own tailless concept.