:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/archetype/S5M7BYWEC5HWTGOIO5RPIMKDOM.jpg)
South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has announced the start of the initial manufacturing phase of the country's KF-21 'Boramae' multirole fighter aircraft. This milestone marks a significant advancement in South Korea's aerospace capabilities and its pursuit of self-reliance in the defense sector.
The first KF-21 production model was assembled at Korea Aerospace Industries' (KAI) Sacheon facility on July 10th. DAPA revealed that KAI has also implemented automated manufacturing equipment to enhance production efficiency and accuracy, which will contribute to shorter production times and potentially boost export efforts.
KAI secured a contract worth 1.96 trillion won (approximately $1.41 billion) in June to manufacture an initial batch of 20 KF-21s by 2027. The Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) is expected to receive the first batch of these advanced fighter jets in late 2026. The long-term goal is to produce a total of 120 KF-21s by 2032, with the mass production phase scheduled to run from 2026 to 2032.
The KF-21, also known as 'Boramae' (meaning "hawk" in Korean), is poised to significantly enhance the South Korean Air Force's aerial defense capabilities. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and designed for superior performance, the Boramae represents a major step forward in modernizing the country's air force.
Prior to entering production, six KF-21 prototypes underwent extensive flight and armament trials to ensure the aircraft's operational readiness and adherence to the highest standards. The successful completion of these tests paved the way for the commencement of full-scale production.
This ambitious aerospace project involves the collaboration of approximately 700 local companies, further solidifying South Korea's commitment to fostering a robust domestic defense industry. The KF-21 program not only bolsters the country's defense capabilities but also contributes to its economic growth and technological advancement.
