Photo = Yonhap News

Sancheon  |  April 9, 2021 

The KF-21 Boramae, Korea's first independently developed fighter jet, on April 9 is unveiled at the plant of Korea Aerospace Industries in Sacheon, Gyeongsangnam-do Province.

President Moon Jae-in said at the unveiling ceremony, "We have set a historic milestone in the development of the aviation industry," adding, "The name KF-21 contains our intent to protect our skies in the 21st century."

The "K" refers to "made in Korea, "F" to "fighter jet," "21" to a fighter jet that protects the Korean Peninsula's skies in the 21st century and "Boramae" to a young hawk that symbolizes the Republic of Korea Air Force.

The aircraft has a top speed of Mach 1.8, and an armed payload capacity of 7.7 tons, making it mobile and battle-ready in any weather. Korea plans to deploy 40 such jets by 2028 and 120 by 2032.