Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has rolled-out the first series-production KF-21 BORAMAE 4.5-generation fighter at its headquarters in Sacheon, Gyeongnam.

South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung attended the roll-out ceremony. “The Republic of Korea has now moved beyond the era of relying on foreign weapons and has leaped forward as a nation that develops cutting-edge weapons with its own technology and is sought after by the world,” he said.

According to South Korea’s Ministry of National Defence the aircraft will now undergo acceptance testing prior to entering service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) in September.

An initial batch of 40 Block I aircraft, configured primarily for air-to-air missions is scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2028. An additional 80 Block II aircraft are to be delivered between 2029 and 2032 and will incorporate expanded air-to-ground and anti-ship capabilities.

The KF-21 will progressively replace the ROKAF’s ageing F-4 and F-5 fighter jets. The single-seat variant of the KF-21 can attain a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, has a maximum take-off weight of 56,400 lb and a payload capacity of up to 17,000 lb. Developmental flight testing involving six prototypes concluded in January this year, two months ahead of schedule. The 42 month-long developmental flight test programme featured approximately 1,600 flight tests covering over 13,000 test points.

The basic strategy for the KF-X (Korea Fighter Experimental) programme was approved by DAPA in 2010. KAI completed the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Design Review (CDR) in 2018 and 2019 respectively. The first KF-21 prototype was rolled-out in 2021 and made its maiden flight in 2022. The South Korean defence industry is heavily involved in the KF-21 programme with Hanwha Aerospace producing the engines, while the avionics, radar, and electronic warfare equipment is provided by Hanwha Systems. LIG Nex1 will supply guided weapons in addition to electronic equipment.

The KF-21 design and development effort is estimated to have cost approximately US$5.5 billion. The first batch of 40 Block I aircraft are being acquired at a cost of approximately US$6.5 billion.

Indonesia was to have participated as a developmental partner for the KF-21 programme with a share of 20% of the programme cost. However, the partnership between the two nations has been fraught with difficulties over the course of the programme. Indonesia which has gone on to ink contracts for Dassault RAFALE and Turkish Aerospace Industries KAAN fighter jets, is however expected to formalise an order for 16 KF-21 fighter jets.

KAI is actively marketing the type to potential export customers such as Poland and Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, in January, the Saudi Air Force Commander visited KAI’s headquarters in Sacheon to witness a KF-21 demonstration flight and a tour of its production facilities.

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