The flight was conducted from Sacheon Airport in the southern part of the Republic of Korea, which serves as the home of KAI’s manufacturing facilities. The airfield also hosts the Flight Test Wing, whose 281st Squadron is responsible for KF-21 Boramae flight testing, as well as the 3rd Flying Training Wing.
During the first flight, the KF-21 was accompanied by an FA-50 Fighting Eagle chase aircraft. Following a series of acceptance trials and certification, deliveries to the designated unit are planned to commence in the second half of this year.
South Korea has so far ordered 40 production aircraft in two batches, all representing the Block I configuration. The Republic of Korea Air Force is expected to begin receiving the aircraft once the acceptance and certification process has been completed.
KAI is currently developing subsequent configurations, designated Block II and Block III. South Korean authorities are also considering the development of specialised variants, with publicly referenced options including a dedicated suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) variant armed with AGM-88E/G AARGM and AARGM-ER missiles, as well as enhanced electronic warfare and jamming systems.
Alongside serial production, KAI and the South Korean government are actively pursuing export sales for the KF-21 Boramae. Potential export markets identified include Indonesia, where a contract for 16 aircraft is anticipated, as well as the Philippines.
