Korean Air Force takes out KF-21 fighter jet for test flight — in pictures

KIM MIN-YOUNG KIM MIN-YOUNG

Published February 19, 2025 - 6:45 p.m. Modified February 19, 2025 - 6:48 p.m.

The KF-21, right, and KF-16 fighter jets conduct a test flight above an air base in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang, on Feb. 19. [NEWS1] — The KF-21, right, and KF-16 fighter jets conduct a test flight above an air base in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang, on Feb. 19.

A KF-21 fighter jet conducts a test flight above an air base in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang, on Feb. 19.

The pilot seated in the rear seat of the KF-21 is Korean Air Force chief of staff Gen. Lee Young-su, commanding his first test flight of the fighter jet. The first batch of the homegrown fighter aircraft is set to be delivered next year.

Related Article

KF-21, top, and KF-16 fighter jets conduct a test flight above an air base in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang, on Feb. 19. [NEWS1] — KF-21, top, and KF-16 fighter jets conduct a test flight above an air base in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang, on Feb. 19.

Korean Air Force chief of staff Gen. Lee Young-su, right, and another pilot give a thumbs-up after conducting a test flight of the KF-21 fighter jet at an air base in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang, on Feb. 19. [NEWS1] — Korean Air Force chief of staff Gen. Lee Young-su, right, and another pilot give a thumbs-up after conducting a test flight of the KF-21 fighter jet at an air base in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang, on Feb. 19.

A KF-21 fighter jet conducts a test flight above an air base in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang, on Feb. 19. The pilot seated in the back is Korean Air Force chief of staff Gen. Lee Young-su. [NEWS1] — A KF-21 fighter jet conducts a test flight above an air base in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang, on Feb. 19. The pilot seated in the back is Korean Air Force chief of staff Gen. Lee Young-su.

Korean Air Force chief of staff Gen. Lee Young-su gives a thumbs-up ahead of conducting a test flight of the KF-21 fighter jet at an air base in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang, on Feb. 19. [YONHAP] — Korean Air Force chief of staff Gen. Lee Young-su gives a thumbs-up ahead of conducting a test flight of the KF-21 fighter jet at an air base in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang, on Feb. 19.

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [kim.minyoung5@joongang.co.kr]

kf-21 korea defense air force