KAI Signs Additional Contract for 20 KF-21 Units with DAPA
Hanwha Aerospace to Supply Engines, Hanwha Systems to Provide Radar
The Republic of Korea Air Force is expected to smoothly deploy 40 KF-21 fighter jets by 2028. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanwha Aerospace, and Hanwha Systems each announced on June 26 that they had signed contracts with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for the initial mass production of the Korean fighter jet KF-21. The scale of KAI's contract amounts to 2.39 trillion won, covering the supply of 20 KF-21 units and follow-up logistics support.
Previously, in March last year, DAPA's Defense Project Promotion Committee approved a plan to deliver a total of 40 KF-21 mass production aircraft to the Air Force by 2028. Based on this, DAPA signed a priority contract with KAI in June last year for the initial mass production of 20 KF-21 units, and with the latest contract for the remaining 20 units, the full contract for all 40 units has been completed.
KAI stated that this contract demonstrates the additional verification of the KF-21's air-to-air armament and avionics performance, while also being significant for establishing a stable mass production system. The company also projected that the participation of over 600 partner companies in this project would have a positive impact on stabilizing the aerospace industry ecosystem, including job creation and revitalization of local economies.
On the same day, Hanwha Aerospace signed an additional contract with DAPA worth 623.2 billion won to supply more KF-21 engines. The contract also includes follow-up logistics support, such as the supply of engine maintenance parts. Hanwha Aerospace had previously signed a contract worth 556.2 billion won in June last year for KF-21 engine supply, bringing the total contract value to 1.1794 trillion won with this latest agreement. Hanwha Aerospace plans to supply more than 80 F414 engines for the KF-21 by December 2028. Fighter jet engines are required to maintain stable performance even in extreme environments, demanding high durability and reliability, and are thus considered the pinnacle of engine technology.Hanwha Aerospace stated that it succeeded in producing the F414 engine based on its technological capabilities, having produced over 10,000 engines and independently developed 11 types of engines over 46 years, starting with the Air Force's F-4 fighter in 1979, and including the KF-5, KF-16, F-15K, and T-50.
Hanwha Systems signed a contract with DAPA worth 124.8 billion won for the remaining portion of the KF-21 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar project. Known as the "eyes of the fighter jet," the AESA radar is a state-of-the-art radar capable of simultaneously performing various missions, such as detecting and tracking aerial, ground, and maritime targets, and is considered a key piece of equipment that determines the outcome of modern air combat.
Hanwha Systems stated, "We plan to continue supplying AESA radars for the KF-21 by taking full responsibility for the follow-up mass production projects in the future."
Korea's KF-21 system development project is a core national defense initiative to replace the Air Force's retired and aging F-4 and F-5 fighters and to develop a 4.5-generation fighter suitable for future battlefield operational concepts. The system development is scheduled to be completed next year, with deployment to the Air Force beginning in the second half of next year.
A KAI official stated, "The development and mass production of the KF-21 is a symbol of the remarkable growth of Korea's aerospace industry, which was once barren. Now that the initial mass production contract has been finalized, we will do our best to contribute to strengthening the Air Force's capabilities and advancing the aerospace industry."
A Hanwha Aerospace official stated, "Based on our unrivaled domestic aircraft engine technology, we will ensure the reliable supply of KF-21 engines and do our utmost to develop advanced aircraft engines for self-reliant national defense."
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