Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced on the 20th that it has begun final assembly of the first mass production aircraft of the KF-21, a Korean fighter jet.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announces that it begins the final assembly of the first mass-produced unit of the KF-21, the Korean fighter jet, on October 20. /Courtesy of KAI

KAI signed the first mass production contract for the KF-21 with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration on June 25th of last year, completing the assembly of the fuselage, wings, central fuselage, and tail by individually producing these components. Through the commencement of the final assembly phase, KAI noted that it will soon be able to enter the full-fledged ground and flight testing phase for the production aircraft.

The KF-21 development project is an advanced fighter jet that will replace the Air Force's long-serving F-4 and F-5 aircraft. It is being developed with a localization rate target of 65%. More than 600 domestic partner companies are participating. The mission and flight control computer, which is the key control device for the KF-21, has been developed in-house, and the major avionics control systems, including the AESA radar, have been localized.

The total development period is 10 years and 6 months. KAI plans to deliver the first mass production aircraft in the second half of next year, after which the Air Force will integrate it into its fleet.

Cha Jae-byeong, vice president of KAI, said, “The KF-21 development project has been able to reach mass production stably thanks to the cooperation of relevant organizations such as the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, the government, the Air Force, and the developers.” Jeong Yu-heon, deputy director of the Future Power Division at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, noted, “To contribute to economic revitalization and elevate Korea's status through the successful mass production and integration of the KF-21, smooth communication and organic cooperation among the government, companies, and partner firms are essential.”