Fact Check: "KF-21 fighter jet set to enter service in 2024, enhancing South Korea's air power."
What We Know
The KF-21 Boramae is a South Korean multirole fighter jet currently under development by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The program aims to replace the aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 fighters in the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) with a modern aircraft that incorporates stealth technology and advanced avionics. The first prototype was unveiled in April 2021, and its maiden flight took place on July 19, 2022 (KAI KF-21 Boramae).
As of May 2025, KAI announced the beginning of the final assembly phase for the first production unit of the KF-21. The first delivery to the ROKAF is scheduled for 2026, not 2024 (South Korea Enters Final Assembly Phase of First KF-21). The aircraft is expected to undergo rigorous acceptance testing before it can be officially entered into service (First production KF-21 enters final assembly).
Analysis
The claim that the KF-21 fighter jet will enter service in 2024 is misleading. According to multiple credible sources, including KAI and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the KF-21 is set to be delivered to the ROKAF in 2026 (KAI KF-21 Boramae, South Korea Enters Final Assembly Phase of First KF-21).
The development timeline has been characterized by various phases, including prototype testing and assembly, which are critical for validating the aircraft's performance. The aircraft is currently in the final assembly stage, with operational testing expected to commence in 2026 (First production KF-21 enters final assembly). The assertion that it will enhance South Korea's air power is valid, but the timeline presented in the claim is incorrect.
The sources cited are reliable, as they come from established defense news outlets and official announcements from KAI and DAPA. However, the claim itself appears to be based on a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the KF-21's development timeline.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that the KF-21 fighter jet will enter service in 2024 is incorrect. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery to the ROKAF in 2026, following a series of assembly and testing phases. While the KF-21 is indeed expected to enhance South Korea's air power, the timeline provided in the claim does not align with the current development schedule.
