Korea Aerospace says fighter jet, helicopter prototypes on track ahead of expo

A Light Attack Helicopter (LAH) prototype flies during a display at a Korea Aerospace Industries facility in Sacheon, South Korea October 15, 2021. REUTERS/Josh Smith

SACHEON, South Korea (Reuters) - Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said on Friday its flagship KF-21 fighter jet and Light Attack Helicopter (LAH) projects are on track to meet their deadlines, as South Korea prepares to open its biennial defence exhibition next week.

South Korea unveiled the first prototype of the KF-21 in April, with President Moon Jae-in hailing the aircraft as the future backbone of the air force and a step toward the U.S. ally's greater military independence.