F-35A Lightning II vs KF-21 Boramae: how to tell them apart

Two combat aircraft that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

F-35A Lightning II

Combat aircraft, USA. In service since 2016

What gives it away

Single-engine stealth fighter with twin canted tail fins, faceted fuselage and a single round exhaust.

Used by

USA, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Israel, Japan, Australia and others

KF-21 Boramae

Combat aircraft, South Korea. In service since 2026

What gives it away

Twin-engine fighter with stealth-style faceted shaping, canted twin fins and diamond-shaped intakes, but with weapons carried outside.

Used by

South Korea; ordered by Indonesia

F-35A Lightning II · KF-21 Boramae · All guides