Saudi Air Force Commander Inspects South Korean KF-21 Boramae Fighter

Saudi Arabia’s air force commander visited Korea Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) facility on Wednesday to review fighter aircraft programs and discuss potential defense cooperation.

A delegation led by Royal Saudi Air Force Commander General Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud toured the company’s headquarters and production facilities as part of ongoing strategic exchanges between the two countries’ air forces, the company announced today. The visit focused on exploring cooperation in aircraft development, sustainment, and training to support Saudi Arabia’s long-term air power requirements.

The delegation inspected KAI’s aircraft development and assembly lines and received briefings on several platforms, including the KF-21 Boramae fighter. Discussions also covered maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, as well as pilot and technician training systems.

General Turki attended a static display of the KF-21 and received an update on the program’s development status and performance goals. KAI outlined its plans for future capability growth based on the platform, including concepts for manned–unmanned teaming and incremental upgrades intended to extend the aircraft’s operational relevance over time.

The KF-21 program recently completed its final development flight test following a performance verification mission on January 12. The company expects initial production aircraft to enter service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) in the second half of this year.

KAI said it is positioning the KF-21 as part of a broader cooperation package for Saudi Arabia that could include operations support, training, and industrial participation aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia is currently examining options for acquiring 4.5-generation fighter aircraft as part of its air force modernization plans.

The visit comes amid growing competition in the fighter aircraft market. Saudi Arabia has also been linked to discussions with Turkey over the KAAN fighter program, with Turkish officials stating publicly in 2025 that Riyadh’s interest was at a high level.

KAI plans to participate in the World Defense Exhibition (WDS 2026) held in Saudi Arabia from February 8 to 12 to expand its business across the Middle East market, including Saudi Arabia.