The Republic of Korea’s (ROK) 4.5 generation fighter
aircraft development program is carried out with Indonesia. The program aims to
produce an advanced multi-role fighter for both countries. The aircraft has a stealth
airframe but does not own an inner bay to carry weapons to keep the aircraft’s radar Cross
Section lower.
ROK government which holds 60 per cent of the program's
shares leads the program. The first prototype was completed and unveiled in
April 2021 at KAI's headquarters in Sacheon during a rollout ceremony. The
first test flight is scheduled for 2022, with production beginning in 2026. At
least 40 aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2028, with South Korea
expecting to deploy 120 by 2032. The aircraft will also be available for the export
market.
