S.Korean DAPA Reveals KF-21 Jet, Stealth Drones Teaming in Video

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has unveiled a computer-generated video of the homegrown KF-21 fighter teaming up with stealth drones.

Posted on its official YouTube channel, the video shows the KF-21 flanked by three stealth drones in joint air operations over South Korea's easternmost islets of Dokdo. This marks the first time that the military have disclosed such a concept.

"If the project goes smoothly, and when the indigenous jets are deployed, they may carry out missions with unmanned aircraft someday," a DAPA official was quoted as saying by Yonhap.

The jet can also be seen refueled mid-air by the military’s KC-330 tanker in the video.

With a maximum payload of 7,700kg, the KF-21 will have 10 pods for air-to-air missiles and other weapons, capable of flying at 2,200 kmph with a flying range of 2,900km.

The first flight test is scheduled for 2022, with the entire development expected to be completed by 2026. South Korea plans to deploy 120 units of the KF-21 by 2031.