Image source: topwar.ru
11 years later, South Korea has officially completed the system development phase of the 4.5 th generation KF-21 Boramae fighter. Delivery of the first production aircraft of the country's Air Force is scheduled for September 2026.
In this regard, a ceremony was held at the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) plant in Sacheon. The first KF-21 machine was rolled out in April 2021. Since then, 6 prototypes have completed more than 1,600 test flights (starting in July 2022). The Ministry of Defense stated that the testing was carried out without any accidents. As part of the test program, the aircraft's flight characteristics and control systems were tested, as well as its ability to use air-to-air ammunition.
The military department plans to receive the first 40 KF-21 aircraft by 2028. The next stage of the program provides for the production of another 80 aircraft with enhanced capabilities. With their delivery by 2032, the KF-21 fleet of the South Korean Air Force will reach a total of 120 aircraft, which will replace the F-4 (already decommissioned) and F-5 (awaiting decommissioning) fighters.
The KF-21 program is based on the experience gained by Seoul in the late 1990s when trying to create its own platform. The project received final government approval in 2010, and full-scale development of the system began in December 2015. The program, worth more than $6 billion, was implemented with the participation of 225 South Korean companies and more than 10 state-owned research institutes.
Image source: topwar.ru
The KF-21 was developed as a multirole fighter of the 4.5 th generation. The aircraft is equipped with an AFAR radar, an integrated electronic warfare system and advanced flight control systems. Equipped with two American GE Aerospace F414 engines, the aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.81, has a range of about 2,900 km and a maximum payload of 7.7 tons.
The basic configuration is focused on performing aerial combat tasks. In subsequent versions, it is planned to introduce air-to-ground ammunition.
