Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) continues to move forward with the serial production phase of the new KF-21 Boramae fighter, a key step in meeting the schedule that foresees the start of deliveries to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) in 2026. In recent hours, new images released from the production line itself have confirmed the program’s progress, showing the fuselage of the third production aircraft, “26003,” and clearly illustrating the definitive transition from the prototype stage to full-rate aircraft manufacturing.
Some of the images circulated through official videos show the KF-21 production line with at least one airframe already bearing a serial number, reinforcing the assumption that KAI is now assembling the fighters belonging to the first production batch. This progress follows the formal start of final assembly in May 2025 of the first KF-21 Boramae destined for the ROKAF, marking a major milestone in the program.
The start of serial production of the new combat aircraft is central to the planning of the South Korean Air Force, which seeks to progressively incorporate the KF-21 as part of its fleet modernization process. Under this premise, the Boramae is intended to replace platforms with decades of service, such as the F-4 Phantom II retired in 2024 and the F-5 Tiger II still in service, while operating alongside F-15K Slam Eagle fighter-bombers and fifth-generation F-35A Freedom Knight aircraft.
In this context, it is worth noting that, according to previously reported information, the first production aircraft will be delivered to the ROKAF during the second half of 2026, under a contract that includes the initial acquisition of 20 KF-21 fighters for an estimated investment of USD 1.4 billion, an agreement finalized in 2024. This first batch will represent the initial step of a broader program that foresees the incorporation of up to 120 aircraft by 2032, consolidating the Boramae as one of the pillars of South Korea’s combat aviation.
From an operational standpoint, the KF-21 is conceived as a multirole combat platform, equipped with advanced sensors, powerful mission systems, and the ability to integrate modern weaponry, allowing it to play a significant role within South Korea’s air strategy. Various analysts also emphasize that the Boramae fits well within South Korea’s concept of precision response and long-range strike, complementing the country’s other deterrence capabilities.
In parallel with the production of the first batch, sources indicate that KAI continues to advance the development of future KF-21 variants, including Block II and Block III, as well as studies related to unmanned systems and the evolution toward sixth-generation concepts. This is complemented by the signing of contracts for the production of the second batch of 20 aircraft, further reinforcing the industrial continuity of the program and the predictability of the delivery schedule.
Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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