KF-21 fighter successfully passes preliminary operational capability assessment

Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) has conducted a preliminary assessment of the combatworthiness of the KF-21 fighter jet. This was reported by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

Here's What We Know

According to the agency, the milestone has been reached after a two-year test period. DAPA says it has been evaluated in several categories:

• manoeuvrability;
• durability;
• structural integrity;
• combat radius;
• speed.

These parameters have been evaluated during more than 200 ground and flight tests that the fighter has undergone in the past two years. In addition, South Korean experts evaluated the avionics, weapons and radar. It is worth noting that the radar system has an active phased array antennae and was developed in the Republic of Korea.

KAI has scheduled the initial production phase of the KF-21 for 2024. After that the company will carry out another evaluation of the combat readiness of the aircraft. Serial production should start by mid-2026.

The KF-21 will be a replacement for the F-4E Phantom and F-5E Tiger II, which entered service in the mid-1970s. The Republic of Korea wants to order 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032. The first 40 will be commissioned by 2028.

Source: Janes