KAI proposes developing indigenous military transport aircraft

Korea Aerospace Industry (KAI) has released a promotional video showing computer-generated imagery (CGI) of the multirole military transport aircraft the company is proposing to develop for the South Korean military as well as for export.

The video, which was unveiled during the Aerospace Conference 2021 held on 11–13 May at the Air Force Hotel in Seoul, shows a rendering of the proposed design for the future multirole aircraft.

The images reveal that the company aims to develop a medium-size, twin-engined platform with capabilities that include troop/cargo transport, support of special forces operations, and the launch of small satellite-carrying rockets into space.

The company also envisions developing a maritime patrol variant capable of conducting anti-submarine warfare operations, of an armed gunship version capable of carrying air-to-surface missiles, and of an aerial tanker variant capable of refuelling, among other things, the new KAI KF-21 fighter aircraft and possibly large unmanned aerial vehicles.

The move comes after KAI chief executive officer Ahn Hyun-ho said during a first-quarter results presentation on 2 April that the company is in the process of making proposals to the South Korean military about the aircraft, development of which could begin in late 2025 and be completed by 2031 should the South Korean government and national assembly grant their approval.