Korea’s KF-21 fighter makes progress but Indonesian involvement still in arrears
The third prototype of the KF-21 made a 37-minute first flight on 5 January. (Photo: DAPA)
The third prototype of the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet has flown, and supersonic flight will be achieved in Q1 2023. However, the timescale for Indonesia honouring its financial commitments to the programme remains unclear.
On 5 January the third KF-21 Boramae fighter prototype manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) made its maiden flight, staying in the air for 37 minutes.
Six flying prototypes (four single-seaters and two twin-seaters) and two ground-test airframes have been assembled, and up to three sorties are occurring on a daily basis. The second prototype achieved its maiden flight on 10 November, following the first aircraft taking to the air on 19 July 2022.
The KF-21 is due to achieve supersonic flight in a Q1 flight test, according to Eom Dong-hwan, the government minister in charge of DAPA.
The fifth
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Spain air focus: Mature UAV market rewards early supplier engagement]()
Spain air focus: Mature UAV market rewards early supplier engagement
Spain accounts for 5% of European military UAV spending, broadly in line with its share of the continent’s wider defence market. What sets the country apart, however, is how much of that spending has already been committed, reflecting Spain's earlier adoption of the capability.
-
![New US Army UH-60M Black Hawk order bridges uncertain path to MV-75 transition]()
New US Army UH-60M Black Hawk order bridges uncertain path to MV-75 transition
The US$234 million award for 16 Sikorsky UH-60Ms preserves near-term production, but funding uncertainty and an undefinitised contract leave the US Army’s long-term Black Hawk requirements unresolved.
-
![V-22 Osprey safety upgrade moves towards wider fleet installation under $35.5 million deal]()
V-22 Osprey safety upgrade moves towards wider fleet installation under $35.5 million deal
Bell Boeing will supply 73 additional ODSSHI kits as NAVAIR prepares to introduce predictive drive-system monitoring across US and Japanese V-22 fleets.
-
![AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics]()
AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics
The US Air Force is evaluating demonstrators for uncrewed cargo missions as it considers logistics requirements across the Pacific and other contested environments.
