KF-21 Fighter Jet: South Korea and UAE’s Cooperation Agreement
**South Korea and the United Arab Emirates have formalized a landmark agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation on the KF-21 fighter jet.** The pact, signed by officials from both nations, underscores the commitment to work together on this advanced military aircraft, which is being developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The agreement is not just a formality; it paves the way for a collaborative effort between the air forces of the two countries to share insights and engage in joint exercises involving the KF-21.
Under the terms of the agreement, personnel from the UAE will have opportunities to observe and partake in activities related to future exercises of this cutting-edge twin-engine aircraft. The ceremony took place in Sacheon, where General Lee Young-su of the South Korean Air Force and Brigadier General Rashid Al Shamsi from the UAE Air Force signed the document. Notably, Brigadier General Azzan Alnuaimi, who leads the UAE Air Force War Center, also participated in an initial flight experience, having ridden in the back seat of a KF-21 prototype during this important visit.
The UAE’s Growing Military Ambitions
The signing of the KF-21 agreement illustrates the UAE’s commitment to bolstering its military capabilities significantly. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s recent moves to expand its air power, highlighted by the order for 80 Rafale fighter jets. Additionally, during the final days of the Trump administration, Abu Dhabi received approval for a major deal involving 50 F-35A fighter jets through U.S. military sales. Unfortunately, this agreement fell apart in late 2021 as negotiations with the Biden administration did not materialize.
Moreover, reports suggest that the UAE has expressed interest in acquiring the Chengdu J-20 from China. Although it remains uncertain if such a transaction will occur, it’s evident that the UAE is keen on diversifying its military partnerships. By the end of 2023, the UAE Ministry of Defense confirmed a contract with China for twelve Hongdu L-15 jet training aircraft, illustrating a proactive approach to modernizing its air force and establishing robust defense ties across the globe.
Potential Collaborations with TUSAŞ
As part of its pursuit of advanced military technology, the UAE is also exploring collaborations with TUSAŞ, a Turkish aerospace company. TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu recently revealed the UAE’s interest in the KAAN fighter aircraft during an interview at the IDEX 2025 defense exhibition. Demiroğlu emphasized the UAE’s seriousness about the ANKA III drone project, indicating that discussions around the platform are gaining momentum once again.
He mentioned, “We don’t intend to proceed solely with the ANKA III. Our goal is to jointly develop a new platform, and the UAE is very positive about this endeavor.” This statement reflects a promising outlook for future cooperation, suggesting that both nations are eager to explore innovative avenues in military aviation. As dialogues continue, there is hope for more significant announcements in the upcoming months regarding these collaborative projects.
