This article summarizes reporting by Korea JoongAng Daily.

South Korea Set to Receive First Domestic KF-21 Fighter Jet in 2026

South Korea is poised to enter a new era of aerial defense capability this year. According to reporting by Korea JoongAng Daily, the Republic of Korea Air-Forces (ROKAF) is expected to take delivery of its first domestically developed fighter jet, the KF-21 Boramae, in 2026. This delivery represents the culmination of over a decade of development and a significant test of the nation’s industrial competitiveness in the global aerospace market-analysis.

The arrival of the KF-21, nicknamed the “Hawk,” marks South Korea’s official entry into the elite group of nations capable of engineering and manufacturing advanced supersonic fighter aircraft. While the program has faced technical and financial hurdles, the 2026 delivery timeline signals that the project has moved successfully from the testing phase to operational deployment.

Production and Delivery Timeline

Based on the report from Korea JoongAng Daily, the first unit is scheduled for handover within the year. Defense industry data indicates that this delivery will likely occur in the second half of 2026. This follows the commencement of mass production in July 2024, shortly after the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) signed a 1.96 trillion won ($1.41 billion) contract for the initial batch of 20 aircraft.

The ROKAF has outlined an ambitious deployment schedule. Following the initial deliveries in 2026, the Air Force plans to operate a total fleet of 120 KF-21 aircraft by 2032. The initial 40 units will be “Block I” variants dedicated to air-to-air missions, while subsequent “Block II” models, slated for deployment starting in 2028, will feature expanded air-to-ground capabilities.

Technical Sovereignty and Capabilities

The KF-21 is classified as a “4.5-generation” fighter. It bridges the gap between legacy fourth-generation platforms and fifth-generation stealth fighters like the F-35. While it lacks an internal weapons bay, a key requirement for full stealth capability, it features a low-observable design and advanced avionics that surpass the capabilities of the KF-16.

A primary goal of the KF-21 program has been “technological sovereignty.” According to industry specifications, approximately 65% of the aircraft’s components are produced domestically. Key localized technologies include:

• AESA Radar: Developed by Hanwha Systems and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) after technology transfer was restricted by the United States.
• Avionics: Mission and flight control computers developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).
• Electronic Warfare: Defensive suites and jammers developed by LIG Nex1.

The aircraft is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K engines, built under license by Hanwha Aerospace, allowing the jet to reach speeds of Mach 1.81 (approximately 2,200 km/h) with a payload capacity of 7.7 tons.

International Partnership Adjustments

The program has seen adjustments regarding its primary international partner, Indonesia. While originally a 20% stakeholder, financial delays led to a renegotiation in 2024. Indonesia’s contribution was reduced to 600 billion won (approx. $440 million), resulting in a corresponding reduction in technology transfers and prototype allocations.

AirPro News Analysis

The delivery of the KF-21 is more than a procurement milestone; it is a strategic pivot for South Korea’s defense posture. By replacing aging F-4 Phantom II and F-5 Tiger II fleets with a domestic platform, Seoul reduces its reliance on foreign suppliers for maintenance and upgrades, a critical factor in maintaining high sortie generation rates during a conflict.

Furthermore, we observe that the KF-21 is positioned aggressively for the export market. As nations look for cost-effective alternatives to the F-35, or for those unable to acquire U.S. stealth technology due to export controls, the KF-21 offers a compelling middle ground. With interest already reported from countries such as Poland, the UAE, and Malaysia, the successful delivery to the ROKAF in 2026 will likely serve as the ultimate proof of concept for potential international buyers.

Sources

Sources: Korea JoongAng Daily, Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)