South Korea Eyes 80 More KF-21 Fighters as KAI Nears Historic Air Force Deliveries

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is preparing for the next phase of its KF-21 Boramae fighter program as South Korea moves closer to inducting the domestically developed combat aircraft into operational service. The manufacturer expects to secure a follow-on order for 80 additional KF-21 fighters after completing the first production batch for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). The announcement comes as KAI accelerates deliveries of the first production aircraft while continuing discussions with Indonesia over a potential purchase. The company has already begun verification flights for the first production aircraft and expects to hand over the initial jets later this year. KAI expects to deliver eight KF-21 fighters to the ROKAF by the end of 2026. According to company officials, the first two production aircraft are currently undergoing verification flights before acceptance testing scheduled for September, with formal delivery expected in October. The deliveries remain on track with South Korea’s objective of bringing the twin-engine fighter into operational military service before the end of 2026. Earlier this month, the aircraft also achieved initial type certification, another major step before full operational deployment. The South Korean government has already ordered 40 Block 1 aircraft under the first procurement phase. These fighters primarily focus on air-to-air missions and will gradually replace older combat aircraft in the country’s inventory. KAI believes the program is progressing according to schedule and expects Seoul to authorize a second procurement phase covering an additional 80 fighters. Those future Block 2 aircraft will feature expanded air-to-ground strike capabilities, giving the platform a more versatile multirole mission profile suitable for modern battlefield requirements. Indonesia remains an important international partner in the KF-21 development program despite years of uncertainty surrounding the project. After previous disagreements over financial contributions and technology transfer, both countries restored cooperation in 2025 and continued negotiations throughout 2026. KAI confirmed that Indonesia has now fulfilled its revised financial obligations for the development program. The company is holding detailed discussions regarding an initial order of 16 aircraft, while long-term procurement could eventually increase to as many as 48 fighters if future agreements are finalized. If an order is signed, KAI will manufacture the aircraft in South Korea while Indonesia will participate through industrial cooperation. Earlier plans had envisioned domestic production of an Indonesian IF-X variant, but recent discussions have shifted toward aircraft assembled in South Korea alongside broader industrial collaboration. Reports in recent weeks have also indicated that Indonesia is reassessing its industrial role while continuing to explore direct KF-21 purchases. Although discussions are advancing, no final agreement has been announced, Flight Global reported. Beyond domestic production, KAI views the KF-21 as one of South Korea’s most significant defense export opportunities. The aircraft is attracting growing international attention as countries seek modern multirole fighters positioned between fifth-generation stealth aircraft and legacy fourth-generation platforms. Indonesia already operates several KAI-built aircraft, including 22 T-50I advanced jet trainers and 20 KT-1 basic trainers. That long-standing relationship provides a strong operational foundation should Jakarta proceed with a KF-21 purchase. For South Korea, securing the anticipated domestic order for another 80 fighters while achieving the program’s first export sale would significantly strengthen the KF-21’s global market position. As production ramps up and operational service begins later this year, KAI expects the aircraft to become a key contributor to both national defense and future aerospace exports.