The KF-21 is currently in initial mass production, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery to the Republic of Korea Air Force in the second half of 2026.The contract enables KAI to begin air-to-ground weapons testing before the completion of the KF-21 system development program, allowing for a continuous development and early operational transition. The program is scheduled to run through December 2028.

Under the agreement, the KF-21’s mission profile will be expanded beyond its initial air-to-air focus to include precision air-to-ground strike capability. In parallel, KAI will conduct flight tests and performance verification of AESA radar and key avionics systems in air-to-ground modes, significantly enhancing the fighter’s overall combat effectiveness.

A key feature of the program is its phased test and evaluation approach. Approved under a revised system development master plan in August, the testing effort will be divided into three stages, with each validated capability introduced into service immediately upon certification. As a result, air-to-ground capability—originally planned for late 2028—will be fielded incrementally starting in the first half of 2027.

The KF-21 is currently in initial mass production, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery to the Republic of Korea Air Force in the second half of 2026. The accelerated introduction of strike capability is expected to significantly improve operational flexibility during the early deployment phase.

Industry analysts view the expanded weapons integration as a critical boost to the KF-21’s export competitiveness. Several countries, including existing FA-50 operators in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, have shown strong interest in the platform. The addition of air-to-ground capability positions the KF-21 as a more versatile multirole fighter in the global market.

K-DEFENSE NEWS | Strategic Analysis Desk

#KF21 #KF21Boramae #KAI #KoreaAerospaceIndustries
#SouthKoreaDefense #KDefense #FighterJet #AirToGround #StrikeCapability #MultiroleFighter #AESA #Avionics #WeaponsIntegration