DAPA issues RFP for sixth-generation fighter concept study to succeed the KF-21

DAPA released a request for proposals on August 21, 2026 for a 14-month, roughly 900 million won ($650,000) conceptual study of a South Korean sixth-generation fighter. The study will examine two parallel stealth configurations — one tailless and one with alternative control surfaces — for a single-seat aircraft with low observability across L, S, and X bands, twin adaptive-cycle engines, and an internal weapons bay. Fielding is not expected before 2040 and no full program launch decision has been made, but the study marks the formal start of thinking beyond the KF-21 Boramae just weeks after that program completed system development. Analysts see it as a signal that Korea intends to stay in the top tier of fighter developers alongside the US, Europe, and Japan.