The contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), valued at 1.96 trillion won ($1.41 billion), calls for the production of 20 KF-21 units to be delivered starting in 2026.
"The KF-21 will serve as a true symbol of self-reliant defense, contributing to the enhancement of South Korea's air power and the development of the advanced aerospace industry," said KAI President Kang Goo-young. The deal also includes technical manuals, training and subsequent logistical support.
South Korea initiated the KF-21 development project in 2015 to replace the country's aging fleet of U.S.-made F-4 and F-5 fighters.
The system development is scheduled to be completed by 2026, with 80 percent currently completed. The development involved over 600 domestic partner companies.
Since the maiden flight of its first prototype in July 2022, DAPA has been conducting various performance tests on its fleet of six prototypes.
In March of this year, it successfully completed aerial refueling flights, securing long-range operational capabilities. It also successfully conducted the guided launch of air-to-air Meteor missiles and expanded its mission range in terms of altitude, speed and maneuverability.
On the same day, Hanwha Aerospace signed a 556.2 billion won contract with DAPA to supply engines for the KF-21.
Under the deal, Hanwha will deliver approximately 40 F414 engines and spare modules for the KF-21 from June 2024 to December 2027. It will also provide engine maintenance manuals and on-site technical support for subsequent logistical needs.
Hanwha Systems also signed a contract with DAPA on the same day to supply active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars for the KF-21, valued at approximately 110 billion won. AESA technology allows for electronically steering the beam of radio waves in various directions.
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