The Indian Air Force (IAF) denied the reports circulating in international media about an alleged interest in acquiring the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to equip the South Korean Air Force. According to official sources, there is currently no plan to evaluate this combat aircraft, nor has a formal offer been received that is being considered by Indian aeronautical authorities.
The KAI KF-21 has been promoted by Seoul as a viable option for countries seeking an intermediate solution before incorporating fifth-generation fighters. However, from New Delhi it was clarified that the IAF maintains neither ties nor dialogue with South Korea regarding this program, which leaves out of the agenda the possibility of its incorporation into Indian ranks in the short or medium term.
What else is known?
This is not the only foreign weapons system that would also have been recently discarded by India. According to other sources, an unofficial proposal for the acquisition of the American F-35 fighter aircraft would also have been rejected. Although the offer was not formalized in contractual terms, the proposal was considered by Indian authorities as inconsistent with its defense policy, which prioritizes national development and technological co-production.
Additionally, it is known that the Russian Federation would have presented an alternative more aligned with India’s defense priorities, since India seeks not only to purchase war material but also to strengthen its defense industry. In July, Moscow offered a package that includes the fifth-generation stealth fighter Su-57E and the multirole aircraft Su-35M, through the state conglomerate Rostec and the manufacturer Sukhoi.
Current situation and purchases made
Currently, the Indian Air Force faces challenges related to the modernization of its fleet, which still includes Soviet-origin aircraft such as the MiG-21 and MiG-29. In the case of the former, it has been confirmed that it will be retired during the month of September, while for the latter an upgrade program is projected that is still under evaluation. However, ultimately, both Russian/Soviet-origin aircraft are expected to be replaced by the locally manufactured LCA Tejas fighter, whose production is facing various types of delays.
In that context, New Delhi also chose to move forward on an alternative path: the acquisition of Rafale M aircraft of French manufacture. In April 2025, the purchase of 26 units intended to operate from aircraft carriers was confirmed, thus replacing the naval MiG-29Ks, which are part of the Air Groups embarked on the INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
This new purchase adds to the 36 Rafale units already incorporated by India in recent years, which consolidates a strategic alliance with the European manufacturer Dassault Aviation. Meanwhile, India continues developing its own fifth-generation fighter program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with the aim of reducing its external dependence in terms of air defense.
*Images for illustrative purposes only
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