Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

South Korea’s air force last week took delivery of the first example of the new KF-21 fighter produced by Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI). The aircraft, which was delivered on September 22, is the first of 20 covered by firm orders placed by the government’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration, with potentially another 20 more to be confirmed under the manufacturer’s Block 1 agreement.
The first production KF-21 was handed over to the 156th fighter squadron and is expected to be ready for operational deployment in the second half of 2027. It will be stationed at the Yecheon air base and was developed to replace long-serving fighters such as the F-4 and F-5. Initial deliveries will be used for pilot conversion and maintenance training.&nbsp;
KAI started work on the KF-21 in December 2015 and started flying the first prototype in July 2022. According to the Korean air force, which expects to have over 100 KF-21s in service by the 2030s, the prototype has made around 1,600 test flights to prove all aspects of performance, including aerial refuelling and air-to-air weapons.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

South Korean Air Force Receives First KF-21 Fighter

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Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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