Korea Aerospace Industries Co. (KAI) has announced the signing of a second major contract with the Office of the South Korean Defense Procurement Program (DAPA) for the production of 20 additional KF-21 Boramae fighters of its own production. The value of the agreement is about 2.39 trillion won (1.76 billion US dollars).
The main details of the contract
- The contract includes not only aircraft production, but also logistical support — technical manuals and training programs for pilots and technicians.
- Delivery of the first 20 fighters under the first contract is scheduled for the second half of 2026.
- According to the plan, a total of 40 KF-21 aircraft will be delivered by 2028.
- The overall goal is to produce 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032.
The KF-21 is a 4.5 generation multi—role fighter developed by South Korea in collaboration with Indonesia. The aircraft is designed to replace the outdated F-4, F-5, KF-16 and F-15K models in the South Korean Air Force. It is equipped with two General Electric F414 engines, is capable of speeds up to Mach 1.8 and carries a wide range of weapons, including guided missiles and bombs.
The KF-21 program symbolizes the significant progress of the South Korean aerospace industry and the country's desire for technological independence in the field of defense. The fighter combines modern avionics, sensors and multi-purpose capabilities, while remaining more affordable than its fifth-generation counterparts.
The KF-21 has already attracted interest from several countries, including Poland, Peru, and the United Arab Emirates, which view it as an alternative to more expensive Western fifth-generation fighters.
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