South Korea's Self-Developed Supersonic Fighter Jet KF-21 Set to Be Delivered

According to a report by Reference News on July 31, the development of South Korea's domestically developed supersonic fighter jet KF-21 "Boramae" officially concluded on July 29, as reported by Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao website. The project lasted approximately 10 years and 7 months, with the first production aircraft expected to be delivered to the South Korean Air Force in September this year.

The South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration stated that the relevant ceremony was held that day at the headquarters of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the KF-21 project was launched in December 2015, and the first production aircraft rolled off the assembly line in March this year. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced the end of the development phase on the 29th and stated that the first production aircraft would be delivered to the South Korean Air Force as scheduled in September this year. According to subsequent plans, by 2028, the South Korean Air Force will receive the first batch of 40 production aircraft. An additional 80 aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2032.

Once the KF-21 is put into service, it will gradually replace the retired F-4 fighter jets and older models like the F-5, which is scheduled to retire next year, becoming an important asset for the South Korean Air Force to enhance its combat capabilities.

With the completion of the KF-21's development, South Korea has become one of the few countries to successfully develop a 4.5 generation or higher supersonic fighter jet independently. The KF-21 is classified as a 4.5 generation fighter, equipped with an integrated electronic warfare system, a maximum speed of 1.81 Mach, a maximum range of 2,900 kilometers, and a maximum payload capacity of 7.7 tons. After subsequent performance improvements, the KF-21 is also expected to possess certain stealth capabilities.