The South Korean government and manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries began the ambitious production program for the KF-21 Boramae fighter this week.
The 4.5 generation fighter will have the first batch of 20 aircraft delivered to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) from the end of 2026.
To mark the start of production of the KF-21, KAI and DAPA (Defense Acquisition Program Administration) held a ceremony at the Sacheon Development Center on June 10.
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The first steps of the program involve the production of the fuselage, engine and AESA radar, explained DAPA. The assembly process will include many automated procedures to increase precision and also efficiency in order to reduce the production period.
KAI also aims to make the Boramae an export product and has been talking to potential customers about having a more advanced combat aircraft, but at more affordable prices.
Stealth and export variant
According to local media, the manufacturer is evaluating three new variants of the KF-21, for electronic warfare missions, export and a fighter with stealth capabilities and an internal weapons compartment.
The KF-21 was launched by the South Korean government as a project to give the country autonomy in combat aircraft. The ROKAF has depended on US-supplied fighters such as the F-16 and F-35.
The country also operated the now obsolete F-4 Phantom, but retired the last examples weeks ago. The next aircraft to leave service is the F-5 Tiger II.
KAI performed the maiden flight of the KF-21 in July 2022 and has since joined the program by five additional test aircraft, including a two-seat variant.
