South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae indigenous fighter jet has achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of an air refueling test on Mar. 19. This achievement comes on the heels of the aircraft’s successful development flight tests earlier this year.
The test involved the fifth KF-21 prototype and a Airbus KC-330 Cygnus aerial refueling tanker belonging to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). The test aimed to evaluate the KF-21’s air refueling capabilities, focusing on the stability and safety of the connection and disconnection with the tanker, as well as the smooth transfer of fuel. Additionally, the test assessed the impact of potential turbulence generated by the tanker on the KF-21 during the refueling process.
The successful air refueling demonstration signifies a major advancement for the KF-21 program. It paves the way for further testing to refine the air refueling procedures across various altitudes and speeds. This capability significantly extends the operational range of the fighter. With air refueling, the KF-21 can carry a heavier payload of weapons instead of additional fuel, potentially doubling its operational radius compared to relying solely on internal fuel tanks. This translates to a substantial increase in combat effectiveness and flexibility for the ROKAF.
According to South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the test is part of a larger program that will see the KF-21 undergo various evaluations until 2026. These evaluations will encompass a wider range of functionalities, including performance at different altitudes and speeds.
The successful air refueling test is a crucial step towards the production deployment of the KF-21, scheduled for the first half of 2026.