The Financial News, a South Korean daily, said on Thursday that the UAE’s Tawazun Economic Council had sent a letter to South Korea’s Office of National Security explaining Abu Dhabi’s desire in direct cooperation on the development of the KF-21.

Surprisingly, the letter allegedly requested that Abu Dhabi replace Indonesia’s investment in the program.

South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae Takes To the Air(Opens in a new browser tab)

Indonesia holds a 20% shareholding but has failed to meet its financial obligations. Jakarta, which had planned to purchase up to 50 KF-21s, joined the program in 2010 but fell behind on payments in 2017, owing an estimated $557 million by July 2022. In May, Jakarta attempted to assuage Seoul’s fears by announcing a revised payment schedule.

The KF-21 Boramae’s stealth capabilities are a crucial feature. The aircraft is equipped with modern stealth technology such as a low-observable design, radar-absorbent materials, and internal weapon carriage.

These features lower the radar cross-section of the aircraft, making it more difficult to detect and track hostile radars. The KF-21’s stealth characteristics increase its survivability and allow it to more effectively infiltrate opposing defenses.

Top 8 facts about South Korean KF 21 Fighter jet: Specification, Partnerships, Weapons, and capacity(Opens in a new browser tab)

The UAE’s alleged interest is not surprising. After all, Abu Dhabi pledged $30 billion in South Korean businesses, including defense, in January. The affluent Arab kingdom inked a $3.5 billion contract with South Korea for the Cheongung II KM-SAM air defense missile system in January 2022, the largest-ever arms export transaction for Seoul at the time.

As these multibillion-dollar investments in the South Korean industry illustrate, the UAE would have little issue repaying Indonesia’s debt to the Boramae programme. Furthermore, Abu Dhabi would surely be interested in co-producing the fighter since it would aid in the development of its domestic defence sector through significant technology transfers, which Seoul has proven to be generous with.

The UAE has halted talks with the US over a record sale for 50 fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II stealth planes in late 2021 due to differences over American preconditions and Emirati cooperation with China.

South Korean KF -21 Boramae vs Indian built HAL Tejas MK2 aircraft comparison(Opens in a new browser tab)

The KF-21 Boramae is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K afterburning turbofan engines. These engines provide the necessary thrust for the aircraft’s high-performance capabilities. The F414 engines are known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and ability to operate in various environmental conditions. They enable the KF-21 to achieve the supersonic speeds and maneuverability required for air combat scenarios.

On the other hand, India, China, and Turkey are already in the process of developing their own Fifth Generation Fighter Jet. Turkey has already exhibited it and is awaiting the final engine selection for their 5th generation fighter plane. Americans are looking forward to the 6th generation fighter jet, which will be the most advanced in terms of engine thrust and weapons technology.

Most countries are working together to develop collaborative efforts to build their own fighter plane.

Russia has recently initiated a branding campaign for the SJ-100 short-haul aircraft, which has been developed by Yakovlev PJSC, a notable Russian aerospace company. The primary focus of this branding effort is to highlight and emphasize the aircraft’s use of 100% Russian domestic components.

After being barred from Western nations, Russia intends to debut its smaller aircraft, the SJ-100, in a significant way on the global market. The SJ-100 will face off against the Boeing 737-7, Embraer E195, and Airbus A220. For countries like Indonesia, China, India,  Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, and those that are allies of Russia, the SJ-100 is a potential aircraft for operation.

Russian-Made Combat Trainer Aircraft Joins Iran’s Air Force(Opens in a new browser tab)

This branding effort is remarkable for various reasons. First and foremost, it demonstrates Russia’s dedication to showcase its domestic aerospace capabilities. Russia’s choice to highlight the use of only 100% Russian components in the branding of the SJ-100 short-haul aircraft is of the greatest strategic significance. In addition to showcasing Russia’s aerospace capabilities, this branding campaign also makes a strong impression on potential customers from other countries.

From an economic standpoint, Russia’s focus on using domestic components aligns with the global trend towards supply chain resilience and reduced reliance on foreign suppliers. The SJ-100’s incorporation of Russian-made components not only assures international buyers of its quality and performance but also presents an opportunity for economic development in their own countries. This can lead to the creation of jobs, the growth of local industries, and the transfer of technology and expertise.

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Recently, The Yakovlev JSC-built SJ-100 Superjet made history by successfully completing its first flight in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia. The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade acknowledged this significant development, adding that the test flight verified the plane’s overall stability, steady functioning, and stable handling.

The ability to implement and install their own design solutions and technologies, such as avionics, gear, auxiliary power units, electric power supply systems, air conditioning, fire prevention, and other systems, was demonstrated by Russian developers and producers.

The SJ-100 is a modern regional jet designed to offer exceptional performance and comfort for both passengers and operators. With a length of approximately 29 meters and a wingspan of around 27 meters, the spacious and comfortable cabin is designed to enhance the passenger experience. with modern amenities and ergonomic seating arrangements. During its first flight climbed to heights of up to 3000 metres and reached speeds of 343 kilometres per hour.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is authorized to take action against pilots who violate civil aviation rules (CAR), the Delhi High Court ruled on Wednesday.

Akasa Air initiated legal action against pilots who had quit their jobs without giving the required notice by their contracts. In response to a request from the startup airline, which claimed it was in a crisis as a result of the sudden and abrupt resignation of 43 pilots who left the airline without providing the required notice period, the civil aviation regulator submitted written responses.

Akasa Air to Add 800 Staff and Fly Internationally(Opens in a new browser tab)

However, the Court ruled that it is now unable to give any explicit instructions to the DGCA and MCA regarding how to respond to a future representation that Akasa might make against defaulting pilots.

The court made it clear that there are no limitations on the DGCA’s power to take action in situations of pilot noncompliance in an interim judgment that offers relief to Akasa Air. The airline firm maintained that it is merely requesting a directive to the DGCA to decide their (Akasa’s) claims against pilots who may depart the airline in the future without serving the notice period, not that it is pressing for any action against the pilots who have already quit.

The Livery of Akasa Air’s Boeing 737-800 Aircraft Has Been Revealed.(Opens in a new browser tab)

The DGCA had stated that it lacked the power or authority to intervene in any employment contract and therefore was unable to affect the employment contract between the pilots and Akasa Air.

The aviation authority said that if Akasa Air doesn’t have enough pilots to continue operating flights, it would be in the interests of all parties if it complies with the requirement to keep a limited schedule.

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