South Korea completes development of KF-21 fighter jet

South Korea on Wednesday officially completed the development of the KF-21, its first independently developed fighter jet, intended to replace the country’s ageing fleet of combat aircraft. Local media, citing the state defence procurement agency, reported that the 8.8 trillion won (approximately Rp109 trillion) project was launched in 2015 to replace the ageing fleet of US-made F-4 and F-5 fighter jets. The first KF-21 prototype was unveiled in 2021. The fighter jet was subsequently declared to have passed the final combat suitability evaluation in May this year, after meeting all performance requirements to carry out various missions, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). Since then, more than 1,600 KF-21 test flights have been conducted without any accidents. DAPA plans to deliver the first advanced fighter jet to the Republic of Korea Air Force this coming September. “The success of the KF-21 is a remarkable achievement made possible by the hard work and dedication of our engineers, as well as the support of the public who believed in our technological capabilities,” said DAPA Minister Lee Yong-cheol. Indonesia has joined as a partner in the development project, agreeing to share development costs in exchange for technology transfer, one prototype unit, and a number of other agreements. DAPA is targeting the delivery of the first batch of 40 KF-21 units to the Republic of Korea Air Force by 2028. The agency plans to produce an additional 80 aircraft with enhanced capabilities by 2032, bringing the total number of KF-21s operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force to 120 units.