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March 2, 2021KF-X’s Prototype Unveiled
The KF-X (Korean Fighter-eXperimental) combat aircraft prototype, which the Republic of Korea continues to develop with a target of 65% indigenous, was unveiled to the press ahead of next month’s launch.
Within the scope of the program, in which the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) is the main contractor, the prototype with the tail wing stamped “KF-X 001” was exhibited, which has not yet been painted grey.
The prototype used more than 220,000 rivets, 7,000 structural components, 1,200 pipes and 450 km of electrical cables, according to reports.
KAI plan to produce a total of six more fighter jet prototypes by the first half of next year. Test flights for prototypes will also begin next year, and the platform’s development process will be completed in 2026.
Officials say about $7.8 billion has been spent on the development phase of the KF-X project, and therefore the program is the most expensive military project ever conducted in Korea.
