First Serial KF-21 Fighter Jet Presented in South Korea

A ceremony was held in South Korea to mark the rollout of the first serial KF-21 fighter, Unit 1.

The event was attended by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in support of the country’s goal of becoming one of the world’s top four defense powers, according to the Korean media outlet Daum.

Around 500 people attended the ceremony, including diplomatic representatives from 14 countries.

Following the event, the president visited the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) plant, where he was briefed on the status of serial production.

The manufacturing facility, comparable in size to three football fields, produces the KF-21, FA-50 and T-50 aircraft, with annual output exceeding 50 units.

President also reviewed the implementation of export contracts with Malaysia (13 FA-50s), Poland (14 FA-50s), Indonesia (4 T-50s) and other countries, and was briefed on the level of localization in avionics development, including advanced radar systems.

Defense officials said the Philippines is among countries considering a purchase of the KF-21, with an agreement expected by mid-year.
In 2024, Hanwha Aerospace signed a contract to supply 40 engines for the KF-21.

The F414 engines for the KF-21 are produced at a plant in the city of Changwon under license from GE Aerospace.

The fighter was developed under South Korea’s KF-X program to create an advanced tactical aircraft for the air forces of South Korea and Indonesia.

During development, the aircraft was integrated with modern air-to-air missiles, including short-range IRIS-T and AIM-9X, medium-range AIM-120 AMRAAM, and long-range Meteor.

Earlier this year, Indonesia launched new negotiations on acquiring KF-21 Block 2 fighters to avoid delays in the production queue following potential Philippine orders.