In the late 1980s, the Federal Republic Air Force began making plans for the replacement of existing 4th generation fighters. With the percieved failure of low observability or “stealthy” aircraft in project LOWRAM, the main technologies incorporated in the air raft was determined to be thrust vectoring, composite materials and improved engines. The design was assigned to the FRAC ( Federal Republic Aircraft Conglomorate), the only aviation company left from the mergers of the 80s’. First flight was achieved on the 9th of october 1998. The first 3 aircraft were initially assigned to the 5th testing and evaluation squadron and flown with monotone roundels on one wing. On aircraft No.3 the ventral fin was removed, an air to air refueling probe was added, and a targeting pod for ground munitions was also added.