Production of the KF-21, the country’s first supersonic fighter developed with domestic technology, has started with its assembly. Shown is the maiden flight of the sixth and final KF-21 prototype on June 28, 2023, at the Republic of Korea Air Force’s 3rd Flight Training Wing in Sacheon, Gyeongsangnam-do Province. (Korea Aerospace Industries)
By Margareth Theresia
Production of the KF-21, the country’s first supersonic fighter developed with domestic technology, has begun with its assembly.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on July 10 said it held the launch meeting for the jet at the development center of Korea Aerospace Industries in Sacheon, Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Representatives from related organizations attended such as the Ministry of National Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Republic Korea Air Force and Agency for Defense Development as well as those from contractors.
The event covered the timely delivery of the KF-21 to the Air Force, starting with the production of the fuselage, engine and active electronically scanned array radar and presentation of the general business plan.
Talks there covered tasks by sector such as management of work processes, management of shape, quality and parts discontinuation, and cooperation with related organizations.
KAI also held a groundbreaking ceremony for assembly of the jet’s first mass production unit and unveiled state-of-the-art automation equipment developed in the nation.
The adoption of automated processes is expected to raise accuracy of assembly and maximize output efficiency to help cut production time.
This is expected to lead to timely delivery of the KF-21 to the military and a synergy effect in securing productivity for future exports.
The first mass-produced KF-21, whose assembly began that day, will go to the Air Force by late 2026. DAPA will roll out 120 units for the Air Force by 2032.
“The inaugural mass production of the KF-21, a fighter jet developed with our own technology, has finally started thanks to the people’s full support and the dedicated efforts of researchers and developers,” DAPA’s Deputy Minister for Advanced Capabilities Program Han Kyoung Ho said.
“The KF-21 will become the leading fighter jet to protect our airspace and play a pivotal role in boosting the global standing of the K-defense industry.”
margareth@korea.kr
