Korea KF-X/ IF-X (KF-21) program

[urban mine]

It shows the Ground Store Separation Test.

 

[urban mine]

This video features the KF-21 test pilot himself explaining the behind-the-scenes story of the aircraft's development.

What I’ve recently learned are the subtle differences between the KF-21 prototype and the production models.

2022 사천 에어쇼 -KFX- 1편 (용량주의, 스압 주의) - 군사 마이너 갤러리

출장땜에 사천 근처를 들릴일이 있었던데다가 마침 일정이 일찍 끝났음(직함은 연구원인데 전국방방곡곡을 다니는 듯. 2년전에 뽑은차가 벌써 5만 넘었네. 후...) 근데 95년 에어쇼 부터 꾸준히 본터라 이제 가봤

gall.dcinside.com

This is the tail boom of Prototype No. 3.

This is the tail boom of the first production model.

According to the test pilot's explanation, the production model features a thicker tailboom design to reduce airframe vibration.

In response to feedback that the aircraft was somewhat sensitive along the roll axis during flight, the control stick design was modified and the OFP was improved.

According to rumors circulating online, the first production model will be delivered to the Air Force on the 17th of next month.

The first Meteor launch from the KF-21 Block II prototype is scheduled for this month, August. The Block II prototype is equipped with not only the EO TGP but also a 480-gallon external fuel tank as standard. This test is intended to verify whether the Meteor can be launched safely with this configuration.

 

[Spitfire9]

South Korea inducts first production KF-21 fighter

The first production Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-21 Boramae (Young Hawk) Block I fighter has been delivered to the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF).

www.janes.com

This is Block 1 - A2A capability with Iris-T and Meteor missiles

Block 2 with additional A2G capability is scheduled for 2028

Block 3 with the aircraft redesigned to include an IWB is expected next decade. I believe that the 24,000lb wet thrust engine to be developed by Hanwha is aimed to reach production late next decade, too.

 

[Fatman17]

First production KF-21 handed over to South Korea​

By
Roy Choo
-
September 25, 2026
The first serial-production KF-21 has been accepted into service with the ROKAF. It is seen here during its flight to its new home at Yecheon. (ROKAF screengrab)
The first serial-production KF-21 Boramae fighter has been delivered to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), marking a significant milestone in South Korea’s development of an indigenous advanced combat aircraft.
The twin-seat aircraft, tail number ‘26-001’, was flown from Korea Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) Sacheon facility to Yecheon Air Base in the province of North Gyeongsangon on 22 September.
www.asianmilitaryreview.com

 

[Spitfire9]

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Philippines, which is considering which fighter type(s) to procure for its air force, is now leaning towards an order for KF-21.

Philippines Eyes 40 KF-21 Fighters—A Major Indo-Pacific Airpower Shift - Defence Security Asia

The Philippines may acquire 40 KF-21 Boramae fighters, potentially transforming Indo-Pacific airpower and strengthening defence ties with South Korea.

defencesecurityasia.com

 

[Sanchez]

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Philippines, which is considering which fighter type(s) to procure for its air force, is now leaning towards an order for KF-21.

Philippines Eyes 40 KF-21 Fighters—A Major Indo-Pacific Airpower Shift - Defence Security Asia

The Philippines may acquire 40 KF-21 Boramae fighters, potentially transforming Indo-Pacific airpower and strengthening defence ties with South Korea.

defencesecurityasia.com

KF-21 makes best sense for their budget and capabilities. We will see plenty more of the same be repeated.

 

[Spitfire9]

KF-21 makes best sense for their budget and capabilities. We will see plenty more of the same be repeated.

I suspect that the availability of low cost locally developed A2A and A2G weapons in the future will considerably reduce the cost of a sales package compared to Eurofighter, Rafale and possibly F-16, too.

Poland is reported to be interested in buying enough fighters to equip 2 squadrons and has already ordered a lot of military kit from ROK including 48 FA-50 light fighters.

How does Indonesia committing to KAAN affect the chances of it buying KF-21? I read it is thinking of ordering a few KF-21.

 

[chibiyabi]

I suspect that the availability of low cost locally developed A2A and A2G weapons in the future will considerably reduce the cost of a sales package compared to Eurofighter, Rafale and possibly F-16, too.

Poland is reported to be interested in buying enough fighters to equip 2 squadrons and has already ordered a lot of military kit from ROK including 48 FA-50 light fighters.

How does Indonesia committing to KAAN affect the chances of it buying KF-21? I read it is thinking of ordering a few KF-21.

actually, Indo needs a lot of KF/IFX, we need to replace Hawk 200, F 16. but in this situations making defence bussiness with South Korea for our current administrations quite complicated.