First KF-21 Production Aircraft Rolled Out in South Korea

President of the Republic of Korea, President Lee Jae Myung, at the roll out of the first KF-21 production aircraft | Photo: Office of the President, Republic of Korea

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) rolled out the first production KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft at its facility in Sacheon, last week, in the presence of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. The event marked the programme’s shift from prototype testing to serial production.

The KF-21 is a twin-engine multirole fighter being developed for the Republic of Korea Air Force. The rollout follows a flight test programme that began in 2022, during which several prototypes were used to evaluate performance, avionics and weapons integration.

The production aircraft incorporates changes based on test data, including updates to onboard systems and structural elements. It is powered by two General Electric F414 engines and is designed to carry a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.

South Korea plans to induct around 120 KF-21 aircraft in phases through the early 2030s. Initial units are expected to enter operational service from 2026, supporting early capability within the air force.

The programme also has an export dimension. Indonesia, a partner in the KF-21 programme, is in discussions regarding future aircraft orders, although its financial participation has been revised in recent years.

The rollout marks the beginning of production activity as the KF-21 programme moves toward operational deployment and potential export.