Anonymous
7/16/2025, 1:37:31 PM No.63990931
https://defence-blog.com/south-koreas-next-gen-jet-marks-progress-in-testing/
>South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae program took another major step toward operational readiness as its sixth prototype aircraft completed a series of high-stakes test flights, including air-to-air gunnery and weapons separation trials, program officials confirmed this week.
>The advanced 4.5-generation fighter, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), is on track to conclude its Block 1 development phase by early next year, with Block 2 enhancements set to follow immediately.
>Speaking after the latest test campaign, KAI’s chief test pilot, Cha Myung-soo, described the intense pace of trials designed to refine the aircraft’s flight control systems and ensure combat readiness.
>KAI confirmed that the program has already logged more than 1,300 sorties—roughly 70% of Block 1’s planned flight tests. Recent milestones include successful air-to-air missile firings of the Meteor and AIM-2000, even under supersonic conditions and external fuel tank configurations.
>“From initial glide tests to complex combat scenarios, the KF-21 has demonstrated steady progress,” a KAI program engineer noted. “This puts us on schedule for the Republic of Korea Air Force’s operational evaluation early next year.”
>Beyond Block 1, Block 2 upgrades will introduce precision air-to-ground capabilities, further cementing the KF-21’s role as South Korea’s next frontline fighter. Future variants are also expected to incorporate fully internal weapons bays for enhanced stealth.
Will KF-21 be able to make it into the market which are dominated by American and European aircraft?
>South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae program took another major step toward operational readiness as its sixth prototype aircraft completed a series of high-stakes test flights, including air-to-air gunnery and weapons separation trials, program officials confirmed this week.
>The advanced 4.5-generation fighter, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), is on track to conclude its Block 1 development phase by early next year, with Block 2 enhancements set to follow immediately.
>Speaking after the latest test campaign, KAI’s chief test pilot, Cha Myung-soo, described the intense pace of trials designed to refine the aircraft’s flight control systems and ensure combat readiness.
>KAI confirmed that the program has already logged more than 1,300 sorties—roughly 70% of Block 1’s planned flight tests. Recent milestones include successful air-to-air missile firings of the Meteor and AIM-2000, even under supersonic conditions and external fuel tank configurations.
>“From initial glide tests to complex combat scenarios, the KF-21 has demonstrated steady progress,” a KAI program engineer noted. “This puts us on schedule for the Republic of Korea Air Force’s operational evaluation early next year.”
>Beyond Block 1, Block 2 upgrades will introduce precision air-to-ground capabilities, further cementing the KF-21’s role as South Korea’s next frontline fighter. Future variants are also expected to incorporate fully internal weapons bays for enhanced stealth.
Will KF-21 be able to make it into the market which are dominated by American and European aircraft?
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