Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has secured a new contract to supply 20 additional KF-21 Boramae fighter jets to the South Korean government. The deal, worth 2.4 trillion won ($1.8 billion), was awarded by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and marks the second mass production batch of the homegrown fighter, following a similar order in 2024.
The KF-21 is a twin-engine, multirole fighter powered by two GE Aerospace F414 engines, which are built under license by Hanwha Aerospace. Hanwha has also received a new contract worth 623 billion won to produce an additional batch of 80 F414 engines to support the expanded production run.
The first mass-produced KF-21 aircraft entered final assembly in May 2025, and deliveries to the Republic of Korea Air Force are scheduled to begin in late 2026.
Strengthening Ties with Indonesia
DAPA also confirmed that cooperation with Indonesia, a key international partner in the KF-21 program, is now progressing smoothly following a revised bilateral agreement. Years of tension over delayed payments and data security concerns had strained the joint venture, but the updated deal reflects South Korea’s requests—such as reducing Indonesia’s technology transfer share in proportion to its financial contributions and adding new safeguards against future funding delays and intellectual property risks.
Indonesia’s financial commitment to the project has been reduced from 1.7 trillion won to 600 billion won, with 400 billion won already paid, according to Yonhap News Agency. The program also includes plans for an IF-X variant tailored for Indonesia’s future air force needs.
Indigenous Cruise Missile Testing
In parallel developments, DAPA has successfully conducted a separation test of a new indigenous cruise missile that will eventually arm the KF-21. The test was carried out using an FA-50 aircraft, marking a significant step forward in local weapons integration.
This missile is designed to outperform the Taurus KEPD 350K, which is currently carried by South Korea’s F-15K Slam Eagles. Officials hope to export the missile alongside the KF-21 to broaden the program’s international appeal and strategic value.
