First ROKAF KF-21 delivered

Report by Robin Polderman, photos by KAI & ROKAF

On Tuesday 22 September, the first production KF-21, a two seater with tail number 26-001, was delivered to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).

The jet in question took off from Korea Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) home base at Sacheon, and flew north to Yecheon airbase, which will be the first base housing the KF-21. During its delivery flight, the aircraft was accompanied by a T-50, FA-50 and TA-50; all of which are KAI products.

In preparation for delivery of the brand new KF-21 Boramae, the ROKAF reactivated its 156 Fighter Squadron on the 1st of June. The unit, which previously operated F-4E Phantoms at Cheongju airbase, was disbanded in 2012.

To make room at Yecheon, the 202 FS and its FA-50s have moved to Suwon, to take up residence besides the two remaining KF-5 squadrons.

A total of 40 air-to-air capable KF-21 aircraft should be delivered by 2028, with the ROKAF planning to add an additional 80 multi-role KF-21s to its inventory by 2032. These aircraft will take the place of the F-4E (already retired) and the KF-5E/F, of which two dozen remain operational.