Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has unveiled the first prototype of the next-generation KF-X fighter jet as final assembly begins. South Korean aerospace giant KAI is moving ahead with the aircraft development programme as it aims to produce an Indigenous advanced multirole fighter for the Republic of Korea Air Force. The company has recently passed a major milestone marks the beginning of the final assembly process of the first fighter in Sacheon, South Korea, where electronics, radar, and various other subsystems will be installed. The fighter jet is expected to be officially rolled out in April 2021. The first test flight is anticipated in 2022, with mass production scheduled to begin in 2028. South Korea expects to deploy 120 of the aircraft into service by 2032. South Korea expects to deploy 120 of the aircraft into service by 2032, replacing its air force’s ageing McDonnell Douglas F-4D/E Phantom IIs and Northrop F-5E/F Tiger IIs. A total of six prototypes will be built to undergo testing until the production model KF-X enters service in 2026. KF-X is a ‘4.5th’ generation fighter jet with a future plan for fifth generation conversion. It already has space allocated for internal weapons bay and the software development reflects this. In June GE Aviation delivered the first F414 engine for the twin-engined jet. GE will deliver 15 additional F414s to power the six prototypes, of which one example will go to programme partner Indonesia. Hanwha Aerospace will license produce the F414 locally. https://m.koreaaero.com/en Michael Tyrrell Author Michael Tyrrell Digital Coordinator Tags defence industry Share This Article Tweet Share Share Share Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter Further Articles Aerospace manufacturing projects to offer opportunity to industry GKN Aerospace expands partnership with General Atomics Smiths Interconnect flies high on F-35 aircraft Most recent Articles Aerospace manufacturing projects to offer opportunity to industry GKN Aerospace expands partnership with General Atomics Smiths Interconnect flies high on F-35 aircraft Share This Article Tweet Share Share Share Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter