South Korea is planning to sign a contract with the government-owned Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to commence large-scale production of the KF-21 Boramae combat jet.
The project supports Seoul’s efforts to modernize its aerial military capabilities through the development of a locally-manufactured aircraft.
Once operational, the KF-21s will replace the South Korea Air Force’s aging F-4 Phantom and F-5 Tiger fleets.
Seoul-based news outlet Yonhap News Agency wrote that the government’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) intends to begin production by the first half of 2024.
The administration said that all six KF-21 testbeds have completed flight demonstrations, performance evaluations, and arms separation tests required by Korea’s armed forces.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff approved the aircraft’s combat assessment in May 2023, a year after the system completed its first flight at Sacheon Airport.
DAPA added that the prototypes will undergo additional trials later this year, with one of the aircraft set to accomplish an extreme weather test in Seosan this February.
European Warheads
KAI partnered with MBDA last month to equip South Korea’s upcoming KF-21s as well as its existing FA-50 light fighter jets with the European company’s missile products.
Among the selections mentioned are the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles or ASRAAMs, Brimstone ground/air-launched attack missiles, and Spear air-launched missiles.
“The combination of MBDA’s world leading weapon products and technologies with KAI’s proven record of new aircraft development and rapid delivery is an exciting prospect for the world defense market, reflecting the shared values and interests of both parties,” MBDA CEO Eric Beranger said during the collaboration’s announcement.