South Korea outlines KF-21 roadmap for AI-enabled sixth-generation capabilities

Korea Aerospace Industries' sixth KF-21 prototype takes off from Sacheon on 13 May 2026, to test the air-to-ground performance of its active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. (Ministry of National Defense)

The Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-21 ‘Boramae' fighter aircraft will serve as a cornerstone of the Republic of Korea Air Force's (RoKAF's) future combat capabilities and will eventually incorporate sixth-generation technologies, South Korea's Ministry of National Defense (MND) has said.

The initial variant of the KF-21, a 4.5-generation combat platform, is due to enter RoKAF service in the second half of 2026. According to the MND, the air force plans to evolve the platform into a “fifth-generation fighter with full stealth performance, and further into a sixth-generation combat system”.

Janes has previously reported on KAI's efforts to reduce the platform's radar cross-section to improve its low-observable characteristics. The transition to a sixth-generation platform will involve “combining artificial intelligence (AI) and a combined manned/unmanned combat system (MUM-T)”, the MND said on 15 May.

First units

The MND's statement followed a media event at KAI's Sacheon factory, where the company detailed its KF-21 production infrastructure and long-term programme goals. Production of the KF-21 began earlier in 2026, with KAI rolling out the first RoKAF-bound aircraft on 25 March 2026.

The first production aircraft is a two-seat variant with the RoKAF tail number 26-001. This aircraft conducted its maiden flight on 22 April and has since completed three test flights, the MND said, adding that the second production KF-21 has also been assembled. “Unit 2, which is set to make its maiden flight [in June], is currently undergoing ground engine performance test,” the MND said.

The 18 remaining aircraft under contract are being assembled at KAI's fixed-wing production hall at Sacheon.