South Korean air force receives first production KF-21

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has officially received its inaugural Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the program’s development. The handover ceremony took place at KAI's manufacturing plant located in Sacheon, South Korea, involving pilot Major Han jae-Seok and the aircraft designated tail number 001. Following the delivery, Major Han jae-Seok transported the new fighter to Yecheon air base for initial testing and evaluation. This represents the culmination of extensive research and development efforts focused on creating a domestically produced advanced combat aircraft. Formal service entry is currently scheduled for late 2026, signifying readiness for operational deployment within the ROKAF.