South Korea’s Air Force takes delivery of its first KF-21 fighter jet

South Korea’s Air Force took delivery of its first production KF-21 Boramae fighter jet, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Air Force said in a joint statement. The aircraft flew from Korea Aerospace Industries’ plant in Sacheon to an Air Force unit in Yecheon, about 165 km (103 miles) to the north, escorted by an FA-50 light attack jet, a TA-50 fighter trainer, and a T-50 Golden Eagle trainer.

The delivery marks the KF-21 program’s shift from development into operational service, roughly four years and two months after the first prototype’s maiden flight on July 19, 2022.

“Overcoming numerous trials and hardships, the KF-21 was handed over to the Air Force today and commenced flight operations. Up until yesterday was the time for the Boramae project’s policymakers and developers. From today onward, it is the Air Force’s time,” said Gen. Son Sug-rag, Air Force Chief of Staff.

“I call upon every service member operating the KF-21 to take immense pride and responsibility in managing our nation’s premier fighter jet, uniting to ensure the KF-21 rapidly establishes itself as the ultimate shield defending the Republic of Korea,” he said.

The KF-21 is a South Korean-designed supersonic fighter meant to gradually replace the Air Force’s aging fleet of F-5 jets. The program traces back to 2001, when then-President Kim Dae-jung first proposed developing an indigenous fighter, though the effort faced repeated budget delays and feasibility reviews before formally launching in December 2015. Indonesia joined the program as a partner nation. Boramae means “young hawk” in Korean.

Korea Aerospace Industries rolled out the first prototype in April 2021 and began mass production in June 2024. The KF-21 completed combat compatibility certification in May 2026 and finished systems development the following month. The Air Force also reactivated its 156th Fighter Squadron in June, roughly 14 years after the unit was deactivated as an F-4E Phantom squadron, to operate the new jets.

Korea Aerospace Industries has said it will build 40 KF-21s focused on air-to-air missions for delivery by 2028, followed by 80 more jets equipped with long-range air-to-ground missiles by 2032. The Air Force plans to field more than 100 KF-21s in phases by the early 2030s. South Korea’s defense budget is set to increase next year, which officials expect will support both the initial production run and follow-on orders for additional aircraft.