South Korea tests KF-21 fighter weapons for the first time - plane launches Meteor missile and fires 1,000 rounds

The South Korean Defence Development Agency (DAPA) and Korean Air Industries (KAI) continue to test the KF-21 Boramae fighter. Two aircraft were involved in another test.

Here's What We Know

KAI tested the armament of the new fighter for the first time. The second KF-21 prototype took to the skies and launched the Meteor air-to-air missile, developed by the European MBDA group. It weighs 180kg and can hit air threats at distances of up to 200km. Its maximum speed is over 4500km/h.

The third fighter prototype tested the M61A2 Gatling 20mm cannon. It was developed by the American company General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. The aircraft fired 1,000 rounds during the test.

The new tests took place near the south coast of the Republic of Korea, 300 km from Seoul. In January 2023, the KF-21 was able to reach supersonic speed for the first time. A month later, KAI took the two-seat version of the fighter into the sky for the first time.

Tests of the KF-21 will continue until 2026. KAI will build six prototypes for this purpose. The company and DAPA will soon test the aircraft at low and high altitudes, as well as test other equipment.

Source: Yonhap