South Korea is charging ahead with its ambitious KF-21 fighter jet program, aiming to begin large-scale production this year. This marks a significant step in the country’s quest for self-sufficiency in advanced military technology and could potentially position it as a major player in the global aerospace market.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is expected to finalize a contract with Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), the jet’s manufacturer, within the first half of 2024, paving the way for full-fledged production. This comes after the successful test flights of all six KF-21 prototypes, which have undergone rigorous assessments including supersonic runs and weapon separation trials.
“The KF-21 program represents a major milestone in South Korea’s pursuit of indigenous defense capabilities,” said a DAPA official. “The successful completion of the prototype phase and the impending start of production mark a significant achievement for the country’s aerospace industry.”
The KF-21 program, launched in 2015, aims to replace South Korea’s aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 jets with 120 domestically-built, 4.5-generation fighters. It also marks a significant collaboration with Indonesia, which initially agreed to contribute 20% of the project’s estimated $6.1 billion cost.
However, the program faces a potential hurdle in the form of Indonesia’s delayed payments. As of October 2023, Jakarta was reportedly nearly $1 billion behind on its financial commitments. DAPA officials confirmed ongoing discussions with their Indonesian counterparts to secure a revised payment schedule and ensure the project’s smooth progress.
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