Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has officially sealed an agreement with the South Korean government for the mass production of the country's homegrown fighter aircraft, the KF-21.
Under the terms of the deal inked with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), valued at 1.96 trillion won ($1.41 billion), the commencement of large-scale production of 20 KF-21 units is slated to begin imminently, with deliveries expected to commence in 2026.
The maiden flight of the KF-21 prototype took place in July 2022. Since then, the DAPA has conducted a series of performance evaluations, culminating in aerial refueling flights in March of this year, ensuring extended operational reach. The KF-21 has also performed guided air-to-air Meteor missile launches.
