KAI signs 1.96 tln-won KF-21 production deal with defense procurement agency

SEOUL, June 25 (Yonhap) -- Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) said Tuesday it has signed a 1.96 trillion-won (US$1.41 billion) deal with the state defense procurement agency to start production of the next-generation KF-21 fighter jet.

The contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) covers a total of 20 KF-21 units, including follow-up logistics support, such as technical manuals and training.

KAI stressed the significance of the deal, as "it realizes the national aspiration for self-reliant defense by protecting our airspace with our technology."

It added that the contract marks the beginning of the full-scale production phase of the KF-21, while noting that the jet will become a core asset of the country's Air Force.

South Korea launched the KF-21 fighter development program with Indonesia in 2015, with the aim of acquiring a homegrown supersonic fighter to replace its aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 jets.

DAPA has been staging various performance tests on its fleet of six KF-21 prototypes since the first one made its maiden flight in July 2022.

odissy@yna.co.kr
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