SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — A KF-21 fighter jet developed by South Korea used an air-to-air missile and an internal weapons system for the first time in its flight to test weapons systems.
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Tests of the South Korean-developed KF-21 Boramae fighter continue. The weapon systems test, which is an important part of the tests conducted before mass production, was carried out on March 28. The KF-21 Boramae took off from the Air Force range and flew over the South Sea to conduct weapons system tests.
Meteor missile tests
The Meteor air-to-air missiles, which were located in the weapon stations under the fuselage of the KF-21, were seen to be able to leave the station safely. In the same way, the tests of the weapon stations on the wing of the aircraft continue.
Another system tested was the aircraft’s 20mm Gatling gun. Continuous firing of the machine gun system in flight was tested. According to the statement by South Korea’s DAPA unit, the plane’s missile system and Gatling gun operated smoothly and did not cause any damage to the plane.
Tests of the KF-21 Boramae fighter, which is planned to enter service with the South Korean Air Force as generation 4.5, will continue. To date, 4 prototypes of the aircraft have been produced. South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration [DAPA] plans to fly the 5th and 6th prototypes by the middle of this year.
KF-21 Boramae fighter program
The KF-21 program, called KF-X, is known as the largest defense project ever undertaken by the South Korean government. 8.8 trillion won [$7.1 billion] has been allocated for the development costs of the 4.5-generation KF-21 Boramae, which has very low visibility compared to a fourth-generation fighter, which Indonesia has also committed to contribute 20 percent.
The project consists of two phases over 13 years from 2015 to 2028. The first phase focuses on the development of the aircraft and the development of air-to-air combat capabilities between 2015 and 2026. The air-to-ground capabilities to conduct air-to-ground operations will be developed in the second phase, which will take place between 2026 and 2028.
Korea Aerospace Industries [KAI] aims to deliver 120 KF-21 Boramae fighters to the South Korean Air Force by 2032.
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