Fact Check: Total KF-21 fleet expected to reach 120 units by 2032.

Fact Check: "Total KF-21 fleet expected to reach 120 units by 2032."

What We Know

The KAI KF-21 Boramae is a South Korean fighter aircraft development program aimed at producing multirole fighters for the South Korean Air Force. According to the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the plan includes the production of 120 units of the KF-21 by the year 2032 (source-1, source-2). The initial production phase involves the completion of 20 KF-21 fighter jets by June 2024, with additional contracts expected to follow after successful verification tests (source-2).

The KF-21 program has faced various challenges and adjustments, including a reduction in the initial production batch from 40 to 20 units to allow for more thorough testing (source-2). Despite these adjustments, DAPA maintains that the overall goal of delivering 120 aircraft by 2032 remains unchanged (source-2, source-5).

Analysis

The claim that the total KF-21 fleet is expected to reach 120 units by 2032 is supported by multiple credible sources. The South Korean government, through DAPA, has publicly stated this goal, which adds a level of reliability to the information (source-2). Furthermore, reports from various defense news outlets corroborate this expectation, indicating that the South Korean Air Force plans to acquire a total of 120 KF-21s by 2032 (source-3, source-6).

However, it is essential to note that the KF-21 program has experienced delays and adjustments in its production timeline, primarily due to the need for comprehensive testing and verification of the aircraft's systems (source-2). This could potentially impact the timeline for achieving the target number of units. Nevertheless, the overarching goal remains intact, and DAPA's commitment to this target adds credibility to the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the total KF-21 fleet is expected to reach 120 units by 2032 is accurate, as it is supported by official statements from DAPA and corroborated by multiple credible sources. Despite some production adjustments and challenges, the overall objective remains unchanged.

Fact Check: Total KF-21 fleet expected to reach 120 units by 2032.