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SINGAPORE—The Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-21 fighter has successfully completed its first nighttime air-to-air refueling test, as the program inches toward operationalization in 2026.
In a video released by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the fourth prototype of the jet—a double-seat variant of the KF-21—is seen joining up with a Republic of Korea Air Force Airbus A330 multirole tanker transport over South Gyeongsam province on March 24.
The video shows multiple instances of contact in evening as well as past-sunset conditions, although it is unclear if fuel was transferred during the test.
DAPA says the test validated the KF-21’s capability to perform long-range missions in both day and night conditions and showcased South Korea's maturity in airborne testing, verification and validation capability.
The first KF-21 air-to-air refueling test took place sometime in mid-2024.
Six KF-21 test aircraft have crossed the 1,100th-test sortie mark. The first serial production unit entered assembly in February 2025.
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