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Newsweek has contacted the Emirati Defense Ministry and South Korea’s Air Force for further comments.
### Why It Matters
South Korea is emerging as a major defense exporter. The UAE, another key U.S. ally, is now exploring alternatives to American weapons, signaling a shift among Arab nations towards suppliers like South Korea, China, and Turkey. This move follows curbs on the F-35 program and growing frustration over Washington’s failure to broker a ceasefire in Gaza while continuing to support Israel.
### What To Know
During recent talks on security and defense-industry cooperation, the UAE’s defense undersecretary inspected a prototype of the KF-21 at Sacheon Air Base and flew as a passenger in one. In April, both countries signed a letter of intent for comprehensive cooperation on the KF-21 fighter jet program.
The KF-21 Boramae is set to replace aging F-4 and F-5 jets. It has a combat range of 1,000 km, carries various missiles and bombs, and features semi-stealth characteristics.
In April, the UAE initially planned to purchase 50 F-35 jets after normalizing ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords but later canceled due to U.S. security conditions, operational restrictions, and tensions over its relations with China. This led the Gulf nation to pursue a broader strategy of weapons diversification.
The UAE pledged to invest over $1 trillion in the U.S. economy over the next decade during President Donald Trump’s visit as part of a Gulf tour in May 2025.
### What People Are Saying
Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a UAE professor and Harvard University non-resident senior fellow, told Newsweek: “The UAE is no longer bound by one source for modernizing its armed forces. The F-35 deal triggered this shift due to U.S. being too demanding and political. France and South Korea are viable alternatives.”
According to the Army Recognition Group defense news website, compared to the F-35 Lightning II, the KF-21 offers less stealth but compensates with lower acquisition and operating costs, simplified maintenance, and fewer export restrictions.
South Korea’s Air Force Chief of Staff General Lee Young-su said in February after a flight test: “In terms of power, maneuverability, avionics, and weapon capabilities, I am confident the KF-21 will stand shoulder to shoulder with world-class fighter jets.”
### What Happens Next
South Korea plans to roll out an upgraded KF-21EX variant with internal weapons bays and enhanced stealth features.
