Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced on December 18 that it has signed a contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for the KF-21 additional weapons testing program.
The contract is valued at KRW 685.9 billion and enables continuous development of the KF-21 fighter by preparing for flight test verification of air-to-ground capabilities before the completion of the ongoing system development program. This allows for seamless progression of the KF-21 development process without interruption.
The additional weapons testing program will run through December 2028 and aims to expand the KF-21’s operational capability from its current air-to-air weapon envelope to include air-to-ground missions. In parallel, KAI plans to conduct test and evaluation of air-to-ground functions for the aircraft’s AESA radar and key avionics systems, with the goal of securing comprehensive operational capability by the end of the program.
The KF-21 additional weapons testing program will be conducted in a phased evaluation approach. Based on the revised system development master plan approved by the Defense Acquisition Program Promotion Committee in August, the testing will be carried out in three stages. Verified capabilities from each stage will be sequentially fielded, enabling the early acquisition of air-to-ground capability from the first half of 2027, ahead of the originally planned timeline of late 2028.
With expanded weapons capability, the KF-21 is expected to significantly enhance its competitiveness in the global fighter aircraft market and attract greater interest from overseas customers. The aircraft is currently undergoing initial mass production, with deliveries to the Republic of Korea Air Force scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026.
In addition, strong interest from existing FA-50 operator countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, as well as other regions, is expected to further strengthen the KF-21’s export potential as its combat capabilities continue to expand.
KAI President Chae Jae-byeong said that the successful execution of the phased weapons testing program would demonstrate KAI’s ability to conduct customized testing and verification aligned with customer requirements, adding that the program is expected to have a positive impact on expanding defense exports.
