SINGAPORE — South Korea has officially inducted its first domestically manufactured fighter aircraft into active service, representing a major achievement for the nation’s defense sector.
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) delivered the inaugural KF-21 to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) on Tuesday, flying the aircraft from the manufacturer’s Saechon facilities to its new base in Yechon, according to an announcement made Wednesday.
“The KF-21, developed after overcoming numerous challenges, has been handed over to the Air Force today and has commenced its flight operations,” said ROKAF Chief of Staff Gen. Son Seok-rak, citing an official translation.
ROKAF’s 156th Fighter Squadron, which was reestablished earlier this year following its disbandment in 2012, will serve as the initial unit to operate the new aircraft.
“The delivery of this first mass-produced unit is a historic milestone in achieving self-reliant national defense, signifying that the Republic of Korea has proven its independent capability to develop and mass-produce advanced fighter jets and has taken the first step toward full-scale operational deployment,” stated Lee Yong-cheol, head of South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
South Korea has procured 40 KF-21s in the Block 1 configuration, which will primarily serve in air-to-air combat. The nation is also developing the Block 2 variant, which will enhance the aircraft’s air-to-ground capabilities, with South Korean media reporting that the ROKAF is considering an additional 80 Block 2 aircraft.
This delivery follows the jet’s rollout at KAI’s Saechon facility during a March ceremony, coinciding with the completion of the company’s flight test program in January.
Classified as a 4.5-generation fighter jet, the KF-21 will be outfitted with a combination of indigenous and Western sensors and weaponry, including the KGGB precision glide bomb and the European MBDA Meteor air-to-air missile.
KAI is actively pursuing export orders for the KF-21. Indonesia is expected to purchase the aircraft directly from South Korea after abandoning its plans to co-produce it locally.
Additionally, Malaysia is reportedly assessing the aircraft, and the Philippines has also expressed interest in the program.
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