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The first KF-21 prototype heads toward Yecheon Air Base on the 22nd, flanked by homegrown aircraft including the FA-50, TA-50, and T-50 in a welcoming flight. From front to rear: T-50, FA-50, KF-21, and TA-50. / Republic of Korea Air Force

The first mass-produced unit of the domestically developed KF-21 Boramae fighter jet was delivered to the Republic of Korea Air Force on the 22nd, marking a milestone achieved 25 years and six months after former President Kim Dae-jung first proclaimed plans to develop a indigenous fighter aircraft in 2001.

The handover ceremony for the first KF-21 took place at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) on the same day. Major Han Jae-seok, one of the initial KF-21 pilots, signed the acceptance and transfer certificate, making the delivery official.

After starting the engine and taking off in the KF-21, Major Han circled the skies above Sacheon while transmitting a message of gratitude to officials on the ground. The delivery comes 25 years and six months after former President Kim announced the development plan in March 2001, and roughly 10 years and nine months after system development commenced in December 2015.

En route to its primary operating base, the KF-21 was escorted by a welcoming formation of domestic aircraft. One FA-50, one TA-50, and one T-50 flew in formation alongside the fighter to mark its arrival. Upon reaching Yecheon Air Base, the KF-21 circled the perimeter to greet personnel before landing. Major Han then reported the successful completion of the ferry flight to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Son Sug-rag, who was waiting on the tarmac.

The KF-21 is a 4.5-generation indigenous multirole fighter designed to replace aging airframes such as the F-4 and F-5 while preparing for future combat environments. The name KF-21 signifies both a core asset driving the transition to an advanced 21st-century aerospace force and a homegrown fighter safeguarding the Korean Peninsula in the 21st century. Its moniker, Boramae, is a native Korean word meaning "young hawk."

Following the launch of system development, the first prototype was unveiled in 2021, and the aircraft completed its maiden flight in July 2022. Across approximately 1,600 test flights, the platform verified its capabilities by evaluating more than 13,000 test conditions, including aerial refueling and air-to-air weapons firing. In May of this year, it obtained provisional combat suitability certification, completing all system development phases in June.

To establish a stable operational foundation, the Air Force formed its first operational squadron and selected and trained initial operational personnel. The unit tasked with operating the platform first is the 156th Fighter Squadron. Through specialized flight courses, these personnel mastered the aircraft's characteristics and procedures, qualifying as flight instructors. They will also handle conversion training for subsequent pilots assigned to the squadron. Maintenance crews similarly completed specialized training programs to acquire technical expertise and practical skills.

Chief of Staff Gen. Son stated, "The KF-21, born from overcoming countless trials and hurdles, has now entered Air Force service and begun flying. If up to yesterday belonged to policymakers, developers, and manufacturers of the Boramae project, from today onward belongs to the Air Force. With pride and a sense of responsibility in operating a world-class indigenous fighter, let us join forces so that the KF-21 can establish itself as the highest power protecting the Republic of Korea."

Major Han remarked, "The moment the engine fired up, I felt an indescribable surge of emotion. The controls of the KF-21, built on the passion and dedication of so many individuals, are now in the hands of Air Force pilots. With a heavy sense of duty, I will dedicate myself entirely to steadfastly defending the Republic of Korea."

Beginning with this first aircraft, the Air Force plans to sequentially introduce more than 100 KF-21s through the early 2030s to accelerate force integration. The Air Force is expected to officially declare initial operational capability for the KF-21 and deploy it to actual missions in the second half of next year.

                                                                                                              Lee Han-sol