First production KF-21 rolls out at Sacheon, with President Lee Jae-myung attending

Korea Aerospace Industries/KF-21 Boramae

KAI rolled out the first series-production KF-21 at its Sacheon plant in a ceremony led by President Lee Jae-myung, 25 years after the programme was announced. The plan is 40 jets by 2028 and 80 more capable ones from 2029 to 2032, replacing F-4 and F-5 fleets.

• Programme announced in 2001; system development began in 2015.
• 40 initial jets by 2028; 80 upgraded jets in 2029-2032; 120 in total.
• Combat deployment planned from September 2026.
• Replaces South Korea's F-4 Phantom II and F-5 fleets.