US EditionLee Hails Homegrown KF-21 Fighter Jets as Leap Forward Into World's Top 4 Defense Powerhouse
The KF-21 Boramae marks 25 years of development led by Korean engineers to boost defense self-reliance and global competitiveness, officials said.
- On Wednesday, President Lee Jae Myung attended the rollout ceremony for the first mass-produced KF-21 Boramae fighter jet at Korea Aerospace Industries in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, marking a new chapter for the country's defense industry.
- Initiated by President Kim Dae-jung in 2001, the 25-year development program culminated in this rollout, which Lee noted "signifies that Korea has secured a new driving force to compete confidently with the world."
- More than 500 guests, including Air Force officials and ambassadors representing 14 countries, attended the event where domestic engineers showcased advanced technology such as active electronically scanned array radar and integrated electronic warfare suite capabilities.
- President Lee said the government will capitalize on the KF-21's success as a "solid foundation" for the nation's vision to become one of the world's top four defense-industrial powers, alongside the United States, Russia, and France.
- The government will support industrial sustainability by investing in advanced aircraft engines, components, and materials, while Lee stated Korea will advance as "a contributor to world peace and prosperity" by sharing technology with partner countries.
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Lee hails homegrown KF-21 fighter jets as leap forward into world's top 4 defense powerhouse
SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung has touted the country's first mass-produced homegrown KF-21 fighter jets as a symbol that embodies "aspirations for self-reliant defense," vowing to make South Korea one of the world's top four defense powers.
First KF-21 Mass Production Unit Rolled Out... Fighter Jet Embodying Lee’s Aspiration for Self-Reliant Defense. President Lee: Independent Fighter Design, a Stepping Stone for Becoming a Defense Industry Powerhouse. Top Speed Mach 1.8, Maximum Range 2,900km... Latest 4.5th Generation Fighter Jet. On the 25th, President Lee Jae-myung [attended] the Korean Fighter
South Korea rolls out first production KF-21
South Korea has rolled out the first mass-produced KF-21 Boramae fighter jet, completing a major production milestone for the country’s flagship domestic combat aircraft program. The rollout took place on March 25 at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) facilities at Sacheon Airport. The aircraft will now enter acceptance testing, including ground and flight trials, before being handed over to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). Delivery is exp…
First Production KF-21 Boramae Rolled Out of Factory in South Korea
The first serial production KF-21 Boramae fighter jet has rolled out of the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) factory in a major milestone for the program. The first of 40 serial production KF-21 Boramae fighter jets has rolled out of the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) factory, marking a major milestone for the South Korean aerospace industry as well as South Korea’s military independence. Unveiled on March 25th, 2026, the first production KF-2…
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