KAI eyes follow-on KF-21 order from Seoul, as Indonesia talks continue

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) expects a follow-on South Korean order for 80 additional KF-21 fighters, after earlier procurement of 40 aircraft for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). KAI says it will deliver eight KF-21s by the end of 2026. The first two production jets are undergoing verification flights and are expected to reach the ROKAF in October, following acceptance flights planned for September. KAI also says initial type certification was achieved shortly before the Farnborough air show, with programme momentum continuing for the first 40 Block 1 jets focused on air-to-air missions, and a second phase Block 2 variant with broader ground-attack capability. KAI also discussed Indonesia, confirming it has paid development costs and that talks for an initial 16 aircraft are ongoing, potentially totaling 48, with industrial participation in addition to Korean production.