Lee touts KF-21 as defense milestone

Mar 26, 2026, 09:01 am

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President Lee Jae-myung greeted attendees as he entered the rollout ceremony for the first mass-produced KF-21 Boramae at Korea Aerospace Industries in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, on March 25. / Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung said Wednesday that the KF-21 Boramae will serve as a crucial foundation for South Korea to become one of the world’s top four defense powers, pledging that the country will continue its bold technological challenge.

Speaking at the rollout ceremony of the first mass-produced KF-21 at Korea Aerospace Industries in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, Lee described the aircraft as embodying the nation’s long-standing aspiration for self-reliant defense.

“The government will make the success of the KF-21 a firm stepping stone toward becoming one of the world’s top defense powers,” Lee said.

He emphasized that with the KF-21 entering mass production, South Korea has now secured the capability to defend peace not only on land and sea but also in the air using its own technology and determination.

Lee highlighted the historical significance of the project, recalling that the indigenous fighter jet program was first announced in 2001 under former President Kim Dae-jung. He credited decades of perseverance by researchers and military personnel for turning what once seemed impossible into reality.

“This great moment did not come easily,” he said. “Over 25 years of effort and dedication have brought us here.”

The president noted that the KF-21’s success goes beyond strengthening national defense, marking the emergence of a new growth engine that enables South Korea to compete with leading global defense industries. He pointed to achievements such as the K9 Thunder and the Cheongung missile as evidence of the country’s world-class defense capabilities.

Lee pledged continued investment in advanced aviation technologies, including engines, materials and components, to ensure sustained industrial growth.

He also stressed the importance of international cooperation, saying South Korea would share its technological expertise and development experience with partner nations to further enhance the competitiveness of its defense exports.

“Our advanced technology will not only safeguard peace on the Korean Peninsula but also contribute to global peace and prosperity,” Lee said. “We will not stop this bold challenge.”

Lee added that South Korea has transformed from a country reliant on foreign military aid into one capable of independently developing and exporting advanced weapon systems sought by countries around the world.

He concluded by expressing hope that the KF-21 would serve as both a guardian of national airspace and a symbol of international solidarity and peace