South Korea's homegrown KF-21 fighter jet has received airworthiness certification from the government, following a comprehensive flight safety evaluation. The aircraft met all 745 requirements across 14 assessment areas, paving the way for its planned delivery to the Air Force.
The successful flight safety evaluation of the KF-21 fighter jet is a significant step in South Korea's ambition to become a major defense exporter and enhance its national security capabilities.
South Korea's indigenous KF-21 fighter jet has successfully completed its government-led flight safety evaluation, earning an airworthiness certification. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that a review committee confirmed the aircraft met all 745 requirements across 14 assessment areas, including its electronic systems and structural integrity. This milestone follows the jet's successful combat readiness evaluation in May.
The testing period for the KF-21's flight safety spanned from April 2021 to 2026. The certification is a crucial step towards the planned production and delivery of 120 KF-21 jets by 2032. The initial batch of 40 aircraft will be equipped with air-to-air capabilities and are slated for delivery by 2028. These will be followed by 80 additional jets designed for both air-to-ground and air-to-ship operations.
The first units of the KF-21 are scheduled to be delivered to the South Korean Air Force in the latter half of this year, with subsequent deliveries to occur in phases. The successful completion of these evaluations underscores the progress in South Korea's domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.