The KF-X program, a joint development between South Korea and Indonesia, reached a new milestone on July 19, 2022, after a prototype of the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet took off for the first time from Korea Aerospace Industries’ facility near Sacheon airport, South Korea. The aircraft stayed airborne for over 30 minutes, according to local media.
Mass production of the 4.5 generation fighter will commence in 2026. The ROKAF hopes to receive 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032 to replace its aging fighters, namely the F-4E and F-5E.
Located in the south of the country, Sacheon Airport (HIN) houses the headquarters of Korea Aerospace Industries, which is developing and manufacturing the upcoming fighter. The 3rd Flying Training Wing of the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is also based in the vicinity of the airport.