The development of the KF-21 Boramae, South Korea's first domestically produced fighter jet, was officially completed on July 29. This marks the conclusion of a system development project that began in December 2015, lasting approximately 10 years and 7 months.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) held a ceremony at the headquarters of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, attended by key government officials, representatives from participating organizations and companies, and members of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, a co-developer.
The KF-21 project was initiated in August 2001 following a declaration by then-President Kim Dae-jung to develop a domestic advanced fighter jet. The system development phase began in December 2015, with the first prototype unveiled in April 2021 and the first production model released in March of this year.
In May, the KF-21 received a 'combat readiness' certification, overcoming numerous challenges throughout its development.
A total of six prototypes were built, and over the past 42 months, more than 1,600 high-difficulty test flights were conducted without a single incident, setting a remarkable record in fighter jet development.
DAPA officially announced the end of the KF-21 development on this day, with plans to deliver the first production model to the Republic of Korea Air Force in September.
With the KF-21's development, South Korea has become the eighth country in the world to develop an advanced supersonic fighter jet of the 4.5 generation or higher.
The KF-21 is a 4.5-generation fighter equipped with an integrated electronic warfare system, capable of reaching a maximum speed of Mach 1.81 (approximately 2,200 km/h) and a range of 2,900 km, with a weapon payload capacity of 7.7 tons. The design also considers future upgrades to enhance stealth capabilities.
DAPA plans to deliver an initial batch of 40 KF-21s focused on air-to-air capabilities to the Air Force by 2028. In the long term, an additional 80 units with air-to-ground and air-to-ship capabilities are planned for production by 2032, bringing the total to 120 units for the Air Force.
DAPA Administrator Lee Yong-cheol stated, "The success of the KF-21 is a remarkable achievement made possible by the dedication and hard work of all stakeholders and the technical teams involved, as well as the support of the entire nation that believed in our technological capabilities. As the slogan of this event states, 'Success Achieved Together, A Great Leap Towards the Future,' we will promote the excellence of the KF-21 and once again demonstrate South Korea's strength through self-reliance in defense technology."
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) held a ceremony at the headquarters of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, attended by key government officials, representatives from participating organizations and companies, and members of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, a co-developer.
The KF-21 project was initiated in August 2001 following a declaration by then-President Kim Dae-jung to develop a domestic advanced fighter jet. The system development phase began in December 2015, with the first prototype unveiled in April 2021 and the first production model released in March of this year.
In May, the KF-21 received a 'combat readiness' certification, overcoming numerous challenges throughout its development.
A total of six prototypes were built, and over the past 42 months, more than 1,600 high-difficulty test flights were conducted without a single incident, setting a remarkable record in fighter jet development.
DAPA officially announced the end of the KF-21 development on this day, with plans to deliver the first production model to the Republic of Korea Air Force in September.
With the KF-21's development, South Korea has become the eighth country in the world to develop an advanced supersonic fighter jet of the 4.5 generation or higher.
The KF-21 is a 4.5-generation fighter equipped with an integrated electronic warfare system, capable of reaching a maximum speed of Mach 1.81 (approximately 2,200 km/h) and a range of 2,900 km, with a weapon payload capacity of 7.7 tons. The design also considers future upgrades to enhance stealth capabilities.
DAPA plans to deliver an initial batch of 40 KF-21s focused on air-to-air capabilities to the Air Force by 2028. In the long term, an additional 80 units with air-to-ground and air-to-ship capabilities are planned for production by 2032, bringing the total to 120 units for the Air Force.
DAPA Administrator Lee Yong-cheol stated, "The success of the KF-21 is a remarkable achievement made possible by the dedication and hard work of all stakeholders and the technical teams involved, as well as the support of the entire nation that believed in our technological capabilities. As the slogan of this event states, 'Success Achieved Together, A Great Leap Towards the Future,' we will promote the excellence of the KF-21 and once again demonstrate South Korea's strength through self-reliance in defense technology."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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