UAE-Korea KF-21 deal shows need for early AMCA defence partners

The UAE signed a Letter of Intent with South Korea on April 16, 2025, for cooperation on the KF-21 fighter, signalling interest despite existing Rafale orders. This highlights Gulf defence diversification and underscores the vital need for India to secure early international partners for its AMCA fighter programme to ensure export success, learning from South Korea's outreach.