South Korean air force receives first production KF-21 Boramae
The Republic of Korea Air Force has taken delivery of its first series-production KAI KF-21 Boramae, a two-seat Block I fighter handed over at a ceremony on 22 September.
The South Korean air force accepted its first series-production KAI KF-21 Boramae on 22 September. The two-seat Block I fighter was flown from Korea Aerospace Industries' plant in Sacheon to Yecheon air base, where it will be assigned to the 156th Fighter Squadron of the 16th Fighter Wing.
The KF-21 made its maiden flight in July 2022. Six prototypes have since accumulated more than 1,600 test flights.
Initial operational capability is planned for the second half of 2027. South Korea intends to take delivery of 40 Block I aircraft by 2028, followed by a further 80 Block II examples with expanded air-to-ground capabilities by 2032. The air force's overall plan covers 120 KF-21s.
Sources
- aerotelegraph.comSüdkorea übernimmt erste serienmäßige KAI KF-21 Boramae