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South Korea receives first production KF-21, advancing 120-fighter fleet toward 2026 service entry

The Republic of Korea Air Force has taken delivery of its first serial-production Korea Aerospace Industries KF-21 Boramae, following development and flight testing. The milestone begins the fighter’s transition toward operational service, with formal entry planned for late 2026 as South Korea moves toward a 120-aircraft fleet.

Discovered 2026-09-22T02:56:07.435240-07:00 | 2026-09-22T02:56:07.435240-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

The handover moves the KF-21 from development and flight testing into the operational transition phase, with formal service entry planned for late 2026.
South Korea’s planned 120-aircraft fleet makes the first production delivery a significant milestone for its indigenous fighter and defense-industrial base.
The first aircraft’s delivery provides a concrete marker for the program’s progression from testing into serial production and military adoption.

Reported By

FlightGlobal Aviation Week Aviacionline defence-blog.com koreatimes.co.kr Yonhap News Agency