Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has unveiled the first serial production model of the Republic of Korea Air Force’s KF-21 Boramae, signaling a key advancement in South Korea’s indigenous fighter jet program.
The milestone follows over 20 years since Seoul first proposed developing a domestically built combat aircraft. Development officially began in 2015, leading to the rollout of the first prototype in 2021 and its initial flight in 2022.
After completing more than 1,600 test flights, mass production began in 2024, with the aircraft scheduled to enter service in September 2026 pending final validation.
During the rollout event at KAI’s Sacheon facility, President Lee Jae Myung described the achievement as a major step toward enhancing national defense autonomy.
KF-21 Boramae Capabilities
The KF-21 Boramae program is designed to replace the country’s legacy F-4 and F-5 fighter fleets by the end of the decade. KAI plans to produce up to 120 jets under the initiative.
The aircraft is 17 meters long with an 11-meter wingspan and can carry 6,000 kilograms of fuel. It is powered by two Hanwha/GE F414 engines delivering a combined 110,000 horsepower.
These engines enable the jet to reach speeds of Mach 1.8, operate over a range of 1,500 nautical miles, and fly at altitudes up to 16,700 meters.
Once inducted, the KF-21 will feature a 20mm rotary cannon, a mix of guided and unguided weapons, advanced electronic warfare systems, and a range of missiles for air defense, anti-ship, and ground-attack missions.
