KAI Signs Follow-Up Support Contract for Initial KF-21 Production Units with DAPA: $95.6 Million Over Three Years
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced on Monday that it signed a Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) contract with South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to provide logistical support for the KF-21 fighter jet’s initial production units.
PBL, or Performance-Based Logistics, is a support system where specialized contractors manage operational weapon systems. The system uses performance indicators, such as aircraft operational availability rates, to determine bonuses or penalties.
According to KAI, this PBL contract covers the initial production units outlined in an agreement signed in June. The total contract value is $95.6 million, and the contract period is three years, from December 2023 to December 2027.
KF-21 Boramae, Achieves Milestone of 1,000 Accident-Free Test Flights – System Development Reaches Midpoint / YoongwonTV
KAI stated that through this program, it plans to secure spare parts needed for KF-21 operations in advance and establish an efficient maintenance support system. The company aims to enhance aircraft operational availability while contributing to reduced operational and maintenance costs, thereby strengthening national airpower.
KAI CEO Kang Goo Young remarked, “With this contract, KAI has completed its PBL lineup for all domestically developed aircraft. We will deploy all of KAI’s follow-up support capabilities to ensure that the KF-21, the next-generation core asset of the Korean Air Force, delivers optimal performance.”
Meanwhile, the KF-21 test flight program reached a milestone at the end of last month, achieving 1,000 accident-free sorties. This marks the successful completion of half the planned 2,000 test flights, signaling the program has reached its midpoint. The KF-21 system development project began in 2015 and is slated to be completed in June 2026 after a 10-year and 6-month development period. The aircraft will be operationally deployed to the Air Force the same year.
Comments0