SEOUL - Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) has secured a substantial 1.96 trillion-won ($1.41 billion) contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for the production of the next-generation KF-21 fighter jets.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the deal includes the production of 20 units of the KF-21 jet along with essential follow-up logistics support such as technical manuals and training.
This significant contract marks the transition to full-scale production of the KF-21, a pivotal development in South Korea's defense strategy aimed at enhancing self-reliance and securing national airspace. KAI highlighted the contract's role in bolstering the country's defense capabilities with domestically produced technology. The KF-21 program, initiated in collaboration with Indonesia in 2015, aims to replace South Korea's aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 fighter jets. Since its maiden flight in July 2022, DAPA has conducted various performance tests on six KF-21 prototypes, underscoring the jet's importance to the South Korean Air Force.