South Korea’s Cheaper Answer to F-35 Jet Makes First Test Flight

South Korea reported the first successful test flight of its homegrown fighter jet, joining a small group of countries to demonstrate such technology as part of a bid to reduce its dependence on the US.

The KF-21, also known as the Boramae, completed a 30-minute flight Tuesday from an airport in the southern city of Sacheon, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration said. The aircraft, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries, will require additional tests before planned mass production in 2026.