Korea Aerospace Industries Secures Contract to Boost South Korean Air Force with Next-Gen KF-21 Fighter Jets.

On June 25, 2024, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the South Korean aerospace giant, formalized a monumental contract of 1.96 trillion won ($1.41 billion) with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). This ambitious contract marks the launch of production for the next-generation KF-21 fighter jet, aimed at enhancing South Korea's self-reliant defense capabilities.
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Korea Aerospace Industries KF-21 Nex-Gen Fighter Jet (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The contract specifies the manufacture of 20 KF-21 aircraft, including logistical support to provide technical manuals and appropriate training programs. This project is part of a long-term strategy to replace the aging fleets of F-4 and F-5 jets and to equip the South Korean Air Force with high-tech technological assets.

Initiated in 2015 in collaboration with Indonesia, the KF-21 program symbolizes the pursuit of technological sovereignty in defense. According to KAI leaders, this contract does not merely meet military needs but also embodies "the national aspiration for autonomous defense, protecting our airspace with our own technology."

Since the inaugural flight of the first prototype in July 2022, DAPA has conducted a series of performance tests on the six KF-21 prototypes. These tests are crucial to ensure that the jets meet the stringent performance and safety standards required by the armed forces.

The new supersonic fighter is now set to become a central element of the country’s air force, playing a key role in the modernization and enhancement of South Korea’s defensive capabilities. The KF-21 is seen not only as a means of defense but also as a potential driver of industrial independence in the aerospace sector.

The start of KF-21 production marks an important step for KAI and the broader South Korean defense industry, demonstrating their growing prowess on the international defense aerospace stage.

To recap, the KAI KF-21 Boramae, a multi-role fighter jet developed by Korea Aerospace Industries, represents South Korea's ambition and technological expertise in military aviation. The prototype was unveiled in 2021, and it successfully completed its maiden flight on July 19, 2022. The KF-21 is expected to be operational by 2026, in line with the timeline set in 2019.

This major venture required a substantial investment of approximately 8,800 billion won, about 7.56 billion US dollars. The cost per unit for the KF-21 is estimated at 50 million US dollars.

Technically, the KF-21 is equipped with two F414-400K dual-flow turbojet engines. It features a wingspan of 11.2 meters, a length of 16.9 meters, and a height of 4.7 meters. The aircraft's maximum takeoff weight is 25,580 kilograms. Capable of reaching speeds up to 2,250 kilometers per hour, the KF-21 has an operational range of 1,000 kilometers. It is designed to be armed with up to four Meteor missiles, with plans to start equipping the aircraft with these missiles next month.

Since 2017, KAI and Diehl Defence have been working closely to achieve seamless integration of the IRIS-T, recognized as Europe's most advanced short-range air-to-air missile. Their collaborative efforts have led to this notable success. Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, expressed his congratulations to KAI for their exceptional performance in developing the KF-21 program and his pride in Diehl Defence's role in this success with the IRIS-T missile.