Image source: topwar.ru
In South Korea, the project of the newest KF-21 fighter is gradually approaching the final. In recent days, the first series of tests of the aircraft's armament has been carried out, the mass production of which is planned to be launched in 2026.
On March 28, the KF-21 was tested, during which a 20-mm aviation cannon was fired and a Meteor medium-range air-to-air missile was launched, and on April 5, a similar type of AIM-2000 (IRIS-T) missile was fired. At the current stage of development, missiles with an inert warhead are used, without hitting targets.
Having first taken to the air in July 2022, the KF-21 has since conducted over 150 test flights, demonstrating the capabilities of supersonic travel and movement at night.
At the same time, the United States actively opposed the project at an early stage of the program, prohibiting the transfer of critical systems – radar from AFAR, infrared search and tracking system (IRST), electronic optical guidance module (EO TGP) and radio frequency jamming technology (RF jammer). As a result, South Korea had to develop these technologies internally.
Finally, they sorted out their doubts about the program in Indonesia, which acts as the main partner of the KF-21 project. Jakarta has repaid the debt and started regular payments stipulated by the cooperation agreement with South Korea.
