Korea Aerospace Secures $1.41B to Ramp Up Production of KF-21 Boramae Fighter

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has officially sealed an agreement with the South Korean government for the mass production of the country's homegrown fighter aircraft, the KF-21.

Under the terms of the deal inked with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), valued at 1.96 trillion won ($1.41 billion), the commencement of large-scale production of 20 KF-21 units is slated to begin imminently, with deliveries expected to commence in 2026.

In addition to the production of the fighter jets, the contract encompasses provisions for technical manuals, training programs, and ongoing logistical support, ensuring the integration and sustained operational readiness of the KF-21 fleet. The inception of South Korea's indigenous fighter program dates back to 2015 when the nation, in collaboration with Indonesia, embarked on the ambitious endeavor with the primary objective of phasing out its aging inventory of U.S.-built F-4 and F-5 fighters.

The maiden flight of the KF-21 prototype took place in July 2022. Since then, the DAPA has conducted a series of performance evaluations, culminating in aerial refueling flights in March of this year, ensuring extended operational reach. The KF-21 has also performed guided air-to-air Meteor missile launches.

KAI also announced a partnership with Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze-2, a subsidiary of Poland’s PGZ, to establish support for FA-50s. Following a $3 billion deal in July 2022 to export 48 FA-50s to Poland, KAI delivered 12 units last year.