Vojsko - Fórum

Two months after its much-ballyhooed April 9 unveiling, the KF-21 Boramae is being dismantled, raising awkward questions about the true readiness of the prototype of Korea's first indigenously developed fighter jet.

In stark contrast with its glossy grey appearance at the April ceremony, the prototype has reportedly already been stripped of its engine and various components, leaving it nearly exposed to its underlying frame and propped up on supporting beams.

As the prototype essentially returns to the assembly phase, critics are asking if the jet, dubbed the Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) prior to its official unveiling, was hastily assembled to appear ready before the ceremony, which was attended by President Moon Jae-in and Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto.

The view of various experts is that the removal of crucial components of the plane, such as its landing gear, refueling and key piloting systems, goes above and beyond what is necessary before tests are conducted on the jet.