KF-21

The South Korean National Assembly has assigned a KRW 238.6 billion ($182.9 million) production budget for Korea Aerospace Industries KF-21 fighters.

South Korea’s 4.5-generation fighter program is looking for external support after keeping the KF-21 flight test on track.

Kang Goo-young, chief of KAI, says that interest in the KF-21 has increased after witnessing test results and on-time development progression.

MBDA is offering a range of munition options for Royal Malaysia Air Force FA-50M light fighters.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

The decision allows KAI to step up preparations for mass production ahead of 2026 when the aircraft is planned to enter service.

U.S. hypersonic facilities need cash; China’s X-37B returns; Poland warms to Korea’s KF-21; and fleet retirement optimism.

Polish defense prime Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa is eager to participate in South Korea’s KF-21 fighter program.

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has announced plans to develop an electronic warfare platform domestically.

KAI has revived its plans to develop a single-seat variant of the FA-50 light fighter and unveiled a road map for the KF-21 Block 3.

The news comes after Seoul scrapped plans for an F-35B-equipped light carrier.

The KAI KF-21 prototype reached Mach 1 for the first time since taking to the skies in July 2022.

As current fourth and fifth-generation fighters evolve and find new customers, attention is turning to next-generation efforts.

The Polish military prime is hoping to participate in the KAI KF-21 fighter program which could see development of a new variant.

Designated the KF-21N, the carrier-based variant of the fighter was revealed at DX Korea 2022.

Industry officials tout companies’ ability to customize products and provide reliable platform performance and supply chain assurance.