Homegrown Combat Aircraft Moves Closer to Operational Deployment
SEOUL: South Korea’s first domestically developed fighter aircraft, the KF-21, has received official flight safety certification, marking a major milestone in the country’s defence aviation programme and paving the way for its operational deployment.
The Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) announced on Tuesday that the certification was granted after the aircraft successfully completed a comprehensive series of flight and safety evaluations conducted between 2021 and 2026.
According to officials, the approval confirms that the fighter meets all required safety and performance standards needed for military service. The achievement represents a significant step in South Korea’s efforts to strengthen indigenous defence capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign military platforms.
Furthermore, the certification follows years of testing designed to verify the aircraft’s reliability, operational performance and overall airworthiness.
Extensive Testing Confirms Performance Standards
DAPA stated that a review committee assessed the KF-21 against 745 separate requirements across 14 evaluation categories.
These categories included aircraft structure, avionics, flight systems, electronic equipment and overall operational safety. After detailed examinations, the committee concluded that the fighter successfully met all required standards.
In addition, the aircraft passed a combat readiness assessment in May, further reinforcing confidence in its ability to perform military missions.
Officials described the certification as a key achievement that will support the next phase of deployment and force integration.
Large-Scale Induction Planned Through 2032
South Korea plans to acquire 120 KF-21 fighter jets by 2032 as part of its long-term military modernization strategy.
The first batch of 40 aircraft, primarily configured for air-to-air combat operations, is scheduled for delivery by 2028. Subsequently, another 80 fighters equipped with enhanced air-to-ground and anti-ship capabilities will enter service.
Meanwhile, the first KF-21 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the South Korean Air Force during the second half of this year, with additional deliveries taking place in phases.
The programme is expected to significantly strengthen South Korea’s air defence capabilities in the coming years.
