South Korea’s indigenous KF-21 Boramae fighter jet conducts its first formation flight with U.S. Air Force aircraft over the West Sea, according to Seoul officials. The jet, assigned to the 156th Fighter Squadron in the 16th Fighter Wing, flies alongside U.S. platforms including the U-2S Dragon Lady and F-35 and F-16 jets, while South Korea contributes its own F-35, F-15K, FA-50 and the KF-21 itself.
Multiple outlets frame the move as part of preparation for upcoming allied training. The formation flight takes place shortly before the biannual combined air drills known as Freedom Flag, which are designed to improve interoperability between U.S. and South Korean forces. A Korean Air Force official cited in one report says the purpose is to build experience with the KF-21 ahead of the drills, and to demonstrate combined interoperability and combat readiness. Another source presents the same core event and timing, emphasizing the KF-21’s first formation with U.S. assets.
