The first mass-produced Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-21 fighter has entered final assembly.
The final assembly stage will see the aircraft’s fuselage, wings, and other major structures mated prior to flight acceptance tests, according to Seoul’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
“It is thanks to the dedicated efforts of our researchers and developers that we have reached this historic moment of starting the final assembly of the KF-21, which will open the future of the Republic of Korea Air Force [ROKAF],” says Jeong Gyu-heon, head of DAPA’s Future Power business division.
DAPA celebrated the milestone at KAI’s factory in Sacheon. The agency says that entering final assembly is a key milestone and should have a “positive effect” on future export negotiations.
While progress with the six KF-21 prototypes has been steady, the type has suffered setbacks on the export front.
Although a joint effort with Indonesia, Jakarta has been tardy with funding that it promised for the programme, leading to its status being downgraded. It is not clear if Indonesia will even obtain the type. Moreover, Jakarta has expressed interest in the Turkish Aerosapce Kaan fighter.
While KAI and DAPA are eager to pitch the type to Peru, local media in the South American country suggest that Lima is focused on more established fighters, such as the Dassault Aviation Rafale, Lockheed Martin F-16, and Saab Gripen.
In April, DAPA issued a statement calling for Lima to hold a “fair competition” and allow the KF-21 to submit a bid.
KAI also hopes to sell the KF-21 to the Philippines for its long running fighter requirement, but the F-16 Block 70 appears to have an edge in that competition following a visit to the Southeast Asian nation by US defense secretary Pete Hegseth.
Another international target is the United Arab Emirates. In April, the South Korean and UAE air forces entered a pact related to the KF-21, allowing the UAE to witness future exercises involving the twin-engined type.
The agreement will see the two parties engage in “comprehensive cooperation” around the type, with UAE personnel visiting future ROKAF KF-21 units.
Production of the first mass-produced KF-21 kicked off in July 2024, following an initial production contract for 20 examples. KAI aims to deliver the first KF-21 to the ROKAF in the second half of 2026, with service entry expected in late 2026.
Updated with planned delivery date of first aircraft.
