Korea KF-X/ IF-X (KF-21) program

urban mine

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On June 16, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that it convened the Airworthiness Certification Review Board at the Government Complex in Gwacheon the previous day to deliberate on the airworthiness review results for the Korea Fighter (KF-21) system development project. The board confirmed that all airworthiness certification criteria had been met. The KF-21 fulfilled all 745 inspection items across 14 categories, including aircraft structure, weapons integration, and electronic systems, as required by the airworthiness certification standards. This concluded the five-year airworthiness review process for the KF-21 system development project, which began in April 2021.

As a result, the KF-21 has obtained "Type Certification," its first such certification, according to DAPA. Type certification is a system in which the government comprehensively verifies that the design of a newly developed aircraft meets airworthiness certification standards.

DAPA explained, "While the 'combat suitability' rating obtained in May verified operational performance, such as mission execution capability and weapons operation, this type certification confirms whether the safety of both the pilot and the aircraft can be ensured even under extreme conditions."
 

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Spitfire9

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From the sound of the article above next thing on the agenda is negotiating an export contract with the partner from hell. Should be interesting.
 

urban mine

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sfw.jpg

A Royal Thai Air Force delegation led by Air Marshal Santi Kaewsonthi visited South Korea from July 5 to 10, 2026.

I hope it will finally take off the EO TGP cover and reveal its dazzling lens.
 

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urban mine

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How much redesign would it take for a sizable weapon bay that can house ALCM and 1000lb guided bomb?

To me it felt KF21 is little too small for that.
Currently, the concept being considered by the Air Force and KAI is to mount a 2,000lbs in the IWB. Other than that, there isn't any more specific information yet.
 

Turkic

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Currently, the concept being considered by the Air Force and KAI is to mount a 2,000lbs in the IWB. Other than that, there isn't any more specific information yet.
Isn’t that a new aircraft from scratch? And how big is it going to be? Kaan will carry 1000lbs class internally. 2000 requires an iwb as big as F-35A’s.
 

urban mine

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Isn’t that a new aircraft from scratch? And how big is it going to be? Kaan will carry 1000lbs class internally. 2000 requires an iwb as big as F-35A’s.
Apparently, it's not an entirely new aircraft. It is, in fact, based on the KF-21. I don't know what KAAN's requirements are, but KAI typically designs its concepts to reflect the Air Force's requirements. I wonder if the F-35's IWB might provide a clue. Block 3 might end up being a little chubbier than before.

But honestly, I'm not really sure. Since this concept came out last year... I think it's worth the wait.
 

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Apparently, it's not an entirely new aircraft. It is, in fact, based on the KF-21. I don't know what KAAN's requirements are, but KAI typically designs its concepts to reflect the Air Force's requirements. I wonder if the F-35's IWB might provide a clue. Block 3 might end up being a little chubbier than before.

But honestly, I'm not really sure. Since this concept came out last year... I think it's worth the wait.
If KAI engineers don’t work a miracle, either Block 3 will be chubby like F-35 or they will change the specs later. We will see.
 
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