South Korea's KF-21 fighter receives initial type certification

Six Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-21 fighter prototypes collectively conducted 1,600 test from 2022 to 2026, enabling the type to meet key airworthiness requirements. (Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI))

The Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-21 ‘Boramae' 4.5-generation fighter (Block I) has received initial type certification following a government review of the platform's airworthiness.

South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said on 17 June that the certification was granted on 15 June after assessments conducted between 2021 to 2026. DAPA described the certification as the government's “final official recognition” of the KF-21's flight safety.

According to DAPA, the KF-21 met all 745 inspection requirements across 14 airworthiness categories, including aircraft structure, weapons integration, and electronic systems.

The initial type certification confirms the aircraft's ability to operate under extreme conditions while ensuring the safety of the pilot, DAPA said. Under South Korea's Military Aircraft Airworthiness Certification Act, initial type certification verifies that a newly developed aircraft complies with national airworthiness standards.

The certification follows the aircraft's designation as ‘combat-ready' on 7 May. DAPA said that status confirmed the KF-21 met Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) operational requirements and was capable of performing missions in combat environments.

The first production KF-21 is to be delivered to the RoKAF in the second half of 2026, with subsequent units to be deployed in sequence.

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