On June 13, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced the successful completion of flight tests for the domestically developed 4.5-generation KF-21 fighter jet. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Korea’s aerospace industry and air force modernization. The KF-21 Boramae is now ready to operate in the skies, signaling a new era in national airspace defense. At the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (Seoul ADEX 2025) held on October 17, 2025, the KF-21 showcased impressive maneuvers, drawing widespread attention.
Since the prototype rollout in April 2021, DAPA, the Ministry of National Defense, the Air Force, the Agency for Defense Development, and Korea Aerospace Industries have closely collaborated to overcome numerous challenges. On June 12, the fourth prototype successfully completed its final development flight test over Namhae, Sacheon, Gyeongnam. Over 42 months, more than 1,600 flight tests were conducted without a single accident, verifying stability and performance across 13,000 test conditions. With support from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Navy, and the Coast Guard, the team ensured maritime safety and successfully performed air-to-air weapon launch and extreme maneuverability tests.
The flight test range was expanded from Sacheon to Seosan, and aerial refueling was introduced for the first time in Korea, greatly improving test efficiency and scope. As a result, the development flight test period was shortened by two months ahead of schedule. DAPA plans to complete system development of the KF-21 in the first half of this year and deliver mass-produced units to the Air Force in the second half. On July 7, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok visited Korea Aerospace Industries to inspect the production line and internal equipment of the KF-21.
Noh Ji-man, head of DAPA’s Korean Fighter Project Division, stated that the KF-21 represents the pinnacle of Korea’s aerospace technology and is expected to compete with top-tier fighter jets in the global defense market. DAPA is committed to ensuring smooth progress in additional weapon tests, mass production, and operational deployment. Once deployed, the KF-21 will significantly enhance the Air Force’s airspace defense capabilities and future aerial combat readiness, elevating Korea’s status in the international aerospace industry.