President Lee: "Mass production of the KAI KF-21 Boramae showcases self-reliant defense... a springboard to become a top-four defense exporter"

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[The Financial News] President Lee said on the 25th, "With the mass production of the KAI KF-21 Boramae, the Republic of Korea (ROK) has finally come to possess weapons that defend peace in the skies with our own technology and determination, following the land and the sea, thereby displaying the full stature of our self-reliant defense."
In his congratulatory remarks at the rollout ceremony for the first mass-produced KAI KF-21 Boramae held that afternoon at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, Lee stated, "Our fighter jet, which will defend our skies with our own strength, has at last completed preparations for deployment in actual operations."
Lee noted, "The KAI KF-21 Boramae has already drawn intense interest from countries around the world even before the rollout of the first mass-produced aircraft, thanks to its outstanding performance, low maintenance costs, and highly expandable airframe platform," adding, "The government will use the success of the KAI KF-21 Boramae as a solid springboard for the Republic of Korea to rise as one of the world’s top four powers in the defense industry."
He went on, "As president, I share boundless pride in this moment and sincerely celebrate this historic occasion together with our 52 million citizens. The fighter jet standing proudly before you today embodies the fervent aspiration for self-reliant defense that we have cherished for more than half a century," and continued, "This great moment we now face did not come about by itself. It took as long as 25 years and the sweat and effort of countless people to bring us to today."
At the rollout ceremony, Lee offered words of encouragement to those involved in the development of the KAI KF-21 Boramae. The event marked the public unveiling at home and abroad of the first mass-produced aircraft, 25 years after the late President Kim Dae-jung declared the vision of developing an indigenous fighter jet at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony in March 2001.
\r\nLee said, "Since President Kim Dae-jung proclaimed the indigenous fighter development project in 2001, our researchers, engineers, and officials in the government and the military have never given up, despite numerous obstacles and skeptical views. And at long last, they have turned the impossible into reality," adding, "On behalf of the people, I extend my deepest respect and gratitude to Korea Aerospace Industries, which led the development and production of the KAI KF-21 Boramae; to the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), which was responsible for core technology research; to the many domestic defense companies and research institutions; and to all those involved, including officers and enlisted personnel of the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROK Air Force)."
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Lee stressed that the success of the KAI KF-21 Boramae is not merely about strengthening military capabilities, but signifies that the ROK has secured a new driving force to compete confidently with the world’s leading defense powers.
He continued, "Through the K9 Thunder and the Cheongung medium-range surface-to-air missile system (KM-SAM), the Republic of Korea has already proven its world-class defense technology and production capacity. Now, by independently designing and producing fighter jets as well, we have taken on the full profile of a true defense industry powerhouse and an aviation industry powerhouse. We will not rest here," adding, "We will swiftly embark on the development of advanced aircraft engines, materials, and components, and we will spare no investment and support so that our defense industry can continue to grow."
Lee said, "Our country, once a poor nation that relied on foreign-supplied weapons for its defense, has now become a nation that develops cutting-edge weapons with its own technology and produces weapons that countries around the world seek out first. Our proud fighter jet will defend the airspace of the Republic of Korea and become a symbol of solidarity in safeguarding the world, as well as a messenger of peace," and added, "Our government will continue moving forward toward the long-cherished goal of completing self-reliant defense and toward a Republic of Korea that contributes to global peace and prosperity."
cjk@fnnews.com Choi Jong-geun, Seong Seok-woo Reporter