KF-21 Fighter Jet Completes 1,000th Accident-Free Sortie

The South Korean KF-21 Boramae fighter jet has achieved its 1,000th sortie without any accidents, as announced by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on November 28.

Since its first flight in July 2022, the KF-21 has undergone extensive testing, including mid-air refueling and air-to-air weapon launches. With this latest milestone, the aircraft has completed half of its planned 2,000 test flights.

DAPA highlighted the collaborative efforts of the South Korean Air Force, the Agency for Defense Development, and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in verifying the fighter's performance and safety.

KAI is set to produce 20 KF-21 jets in 2024 and another 20 in 2025, with deliveries to the South Korean Air Force expected to begin in late 2026. The KF-21 is designed to replace older aircraft models, including the Northrop F-5 and McDonnell Douglas F-4.

The KF-21 is a 4.5-generation fighter jet with single- and twin-seat configurations. It features locally developed technologies, including active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and infrared search-and-track systems. Powered by twin F414-GE-400K turbofan engines, it can reach a top speed of Mach 1.81 and has a combat range of 1,000 kilometers. The jet is apable of carrying a 7,700-kilogram payload and 6,000 kilograms of internal fuel.