KAI has eight prototypes of the KF-21 with a total of six flying prototypes, including one which flew a 30-minute test flight on February 20 this year. The company reported it has successfully broken the sound barrier with the aircraft.

KAI vice-president and head of international business department JaeHong Jake Kim said the KF-21 will feature air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground munitions, and a Gatling-type 20mm machine gun.

There are also plans to combine AI, verbal communication, and teaming with unmanned vehicles.

“This kind of concept is not mature, but the concept should be two-seater piloted jet with four unmanned aircraft,” said Kim.

“The design can be easily turned into an export version. The beauty of this aircraft is that we have a one-seater and two-seater aircraft.”

The aircraft is expected to replace the Republic of Korea Air Force fleet of F-4E Phantom II and F-5E, F Tiger II aircraft.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.