South Korea has officially completed the development of its first indigenous KF-21 fighter aircraft, marking a major milestone in the country's drive to strengthen its domestic defence industry and modernise its air force.
The state-run Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said on Wednesday that the 8.8 trillion won ($6.04 billion) project has successfully concluded, clearing the way for the first operational aircraft to be delivered to the Republic of Korea Air Force in September.
The KF-21 programme, launched in 2015, is designed to replace South Korea's aging fleet of US-made F-4 Phantom and F-5 Tiger fighter jets.
The first prototype was unveiled in 2021, and the aircraft passed its final combat suitability review in May after meeting all operational performance requirements. Since then, the fighter has completed more than 1,600 flight tests without a single accident, according to DAPA.
"The success of the KF-21 is a splendid accomplishment that was possible due to the blood and sweat of technicians, and also the support of the public, who believed in the power of our technical skills," DAPA Minister Lee Yong-cheol said.
Mass production set to begin
DAPA plans to deliver the first KF-21 fighter to the air force in September, with 40 aircraft scheduled for deployment by 2028.
The agency also aims to produce 80 upgraded KF-21s by 2032, bringing the total fleet to 120 aircraft as South Korea accelerates efforts to field a modern, domestically produced fighter force.
Indonesia remains development partner
Indonesia had joined the KF-21 programme as a development partner, agreeing to share project costs in exchange for technology transfers, a prototype aircraft and other industrial benefits.
The completion of the programme is expected to strengthen South Korea's ambitions to become a global defence exporter while reducing its reliance on imported combat aircraft.
