South Korea's "Falcon" Fighter Jet Begins Mass Production

According to a report by Reference News Network on April 1, the U.S. magazine National Interest reported on March 29 that South Korea has ordered 40 KF-21 fighter jets, with plans to purchase an additional 80 and possibly export to foreign customers.

The development of the South Korean KF-21 "Boramae" fifth-generation multi-role fighter has been underway for over 10 years. However, it was not until March that Korea Aerospace Industries announced the rollout of the first production model fighter in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province. This is the first of the 40 production model fighters, which are scheduled to enter service with the Republic of Korea Air Force later this year.

According to the German website "Aviation Enthusiast," the prototype has completed 42 months of test flights since its first flight in July 2022, "without any accidents." The site also stated that six test aircraft have completed approximately 1,600 flight sorties.

Production of the fuselage for the production model began in July 2024, with the final assembly phase starting in May of last year.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung attended the completion ceremony for the aircraft. Lee emphasized that this delivery comes 25 years after South Korea first announced the development of the next-generation fighter. He also stated that the KF-21 has attracted interest from countries seeking low maintenance costs and high upgrade capabilities in the global market.

The South Korean government previously reduced the initial batch order but later increased it back to the original plan of 40 aircraft, all of which will be delivered by 2028.

The first batch of 8 aircraft is expected to enter service by the end of this year.

An additional 80 KF-21s with enhanced ground attack capabilities will be part of the subsequent second batch, with the entire order expected to be completed by 2032.

The development of the KF-21 by Korea Aerospace Industries is part of a $6.6 billion project aimed at replacing the aging fleet of fighter jets in the South Korean Air Force. The model is marketed as a "more affordable" alternative to the U.S. Lockheed Martin F-35 "Lightning" II fighter. Work on the KF-21 project began in the early 21st century, aiming to develop a more advanced version of the domestic KF-16. (Translated by Qiu Fang)