SEOUL, Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) said Tuesday it has signed a 1.96 trillion-won (US$1.41 billion) deal with the state defense procurement agency to start production of the next-generation KF-21 fighter jet. The contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) covers a total of 20 KF-21 units, including follow-up logistics support, such as technical manuals and training. KAI stressed the significance of the deal, as "it realizes the national aspiration for self-reliant defense by protecting our airspace with our technology." It added that the contract marks the beginning of the full-scale production phase of the KF-21, while noting that the jet will become a core asset of the country's Air Force. South Korean defense firm Hanwha Aerospace Co. also announced separately that it has signed a 556.2 billion-won deal with DAPA to supply engines for the KF-21 from this month until December 2027. Hanwha Aerospace will deliver around 40 F414 engines, which will be installed in the KF-21, along with spare modules. The company will also provide follow-up logistics support, including engine maintenance manuals and on-site technical assistance. South Korea launched the KF-21 fighter development program with Indonesia in 2015, with the aim of acquiring a homegrown supersonic fighter to replace its aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 jets. DAPA has been staging various performance tests on its fleet of six KF-21 prototypes since the first one made its maiden flight in July 2022. Source: Yonhap News Agency
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