Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said on January 28 that a delegation led by Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force, visited its headquarters to discuss potential cooperation in aerospace and defense.
The visit was conducted as part of broader strategic exchanges between the two countries’ air forces aimed at exploring collaboration opportunities to support Saudi Arabia’s force modernization and the strengthening of its aerospace capabilities.
During the visit, the Saudi Air Force delegation toured KAI’s aircraft development and production facilities and received briefings on key platforms, including the KF-21. The delegation also reviewed KAI’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, as well as its education and training systems. According to KAI, the visitors expressed interest in the company’s experience in advanced aircraft development, systems integration, and long-term sustainment.
The Saudi Air Force commander attended a static display of the KF-21 and was briefed on the aircraft’s development status and core performance characteristics. KAI also outlined its roadmap for the next-generation air combat system (NACS) based on the KF-21 platform, highlighting design concepts, operational flexibility, and scalability.
The KF-21 is a 4.5-generation fighter incorporating stealth shaping and is designed to enhance survivability, enable joint and combined operations, secure air superiority, and conduct precision strike missions. KAI plans to pursue phased capability upgrades, including the integration of domestically developed precision-guided munitions and manned–unmanned teaming concepts.
KAI said the KF-21 program recently completed its final development flight test following the successful conclusion of a performance verification mission on January 12. The company expects the first mass-produced KF-21 aircraft to be inducted into the Republic of Korea Air Force starting in the second half of this year.
As Saudi Arabia considers the acquisition of 4.5-generation fighter aircraft, KAI is reviewing ways to contribute to the Royal Saudi Air Force’s modernization efforts through the KF-21 platform. The company said it is examining an integrated business model that goes beyond aircraft supply to include operations, maintenance, training, and broader industrial cooperation aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
KAI also said it plans to continue its engagement in the Middle East market by participating in the Singapore Airshow from February 3 to 8, followed by the World Defense Show (WDS 2026) in Saudi Arabia from February 8 to 12, where it will pursue further discussions on strategic cooperation and partnerships with key stakeholders.
