Aircraft & UAVs

KAI KF-21 Boramae

The KAI KF-21 Boramae is a South Korean fighter aircraft developed by Korea Aerospace Industries for the Republic of Korea Air Force. KAI's program history records the first prototype rollout, maiden flight in July 2022, supersonic flight in February 2023, and first serial-production rollout in March 2026.

Specifications

Empty weight
11,800 kg
Maximum takeoff weight
25,600 kg
Length
16.9 m
Height
4.7 m
Speed
Mach 1.81 (about 2,200 km/h)
Powerplant
General Electric F414

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service
First production aircraft rolled out in March 2026; deliveries to the Republic of Korea Air Force were scheduled to begin in September 2026.
Used by
Republic of Korea Air Force

Conflict Usage

Timeline

KAI KF-21 Boramae Key Events

  1. KF-X program gets under way

    KAI's program history notes the indigenous fighter development push and approval of the KF-X basic strategy in 2015.

    Sources: KF-21 | KAI

  2. First prototype roll-out

    KAI records the start of final assembly and the first prototype roll-out in the development timeline.

    Sources: KF-21 | KAI

  3. First flight

    KAI says the KF-21 completed its first flight on 19 July 2022.

    Sources: KF-21 | KAI

  4. Supersonic flight and weapons tests

    KAI's timeline records the first supersonic flight, followed by weapons separation tests with Meteor and AIM-2000.

    Sources: KF-21 | KAI

  5. First production aircraft roll-out

    Aviation Week reported that KAI rolled out the first KF-21 Blk. 1 production aircraft at Sacheon, with ROKAF delivery scheduled for September 2026.

    Sources: KAI Rolls Out First KF-21 Blk. 1 Production Aircraft

KAI KF-21 Boramae Images

Related Weapon Systems

Sources