South Korea begins concept study for next-generation fighter jet

South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has issued a tender for what it calls the Korean Next-Generation Fighter Concept Study, according to the agency. The government has set aside roughly KRW 900 million, about $650,000, for the 14-month effort.

The study will look at operational requirements and possible design paths for a future fighter meant to eventually succeed the KF-21 Boramae. DAPA said the work will examine manned-unmanned teaming, broadband stealth characteristics, and artificial intelligence integration, as the country considers how to counter more advanced regional threats.

Analysts on the study will assess various airframe configurations and weigh their likely operational effectiveness. The findings are expected to feed into a roadmap identifying which technologies South Korea needs to develop or acquire before any future fighter program could move forward.

DAPA said the project remains in its earliest phase. No formal decision has been made to develop a new aircraft. The concept study is meant only to inform later steps, including establishing formal requirements, preliminary studies, and a feasibility review, before any commitment to full-scale development.

According to the procurement notice, bidding for the contract opens on October 1, 2026, with work to begin once a contractor is chosen.

The move follows other investments South Korea has already made toward next-generation combat aircraft capability. In its 2026 budget planning, DAPA said it intends to start research and development on a next-generation stealth fighter, drawing on experience gained through the KF-21 program. It has allocated about KRW 63.6 billion, roughly $46 million, toward that early-stage work.