{"id":2202898,"date":"2023-11-28T17:00:42","date_gmt":"2023-11-28T08:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202898"},"modified":"2023-11-29T19:28:54","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T10:28:54","slug":"why-south-koreas-export-plans-for-its-advanced-fighter-jet-faces-challenges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/11\/why-south-koreas-export-plans-for-its-advanced-fighter-jet-faces-challenges\/","title":{"rendered":"Why South Korea\u2019s export plans for its advanced fighter jet faces challenges"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korea\u2019s National Assembly has <\/span>committed<\/span><\/a> about $183 million (239 billion won) to the 2024 defense budget for the production of 40 KF-21 Boramae fighter jets despite facing significant challenges, including tensions over Indonesia\u2019s participation in the program.<\/span><\/p>\n This funding decision, crucial for Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), aims to kickstart production next year but comes amid debates about halving the initial batch due to design concerns. It also potentially impacts the program\u2019s international appeal and economies of scale.<\/span><\/p>\n This allocation comes after a period of uncertainty in which no funds were designated for the KF-21, pending an evaluation by the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA), a South Korean defense research institution. <\/span>KIDA\u2019s assessment<\/span><\/a>, released on Nov. 7, proposed cutting the Block I production to 20 units, citing the jet\u2019s design as not yet fully matured.<\/span><\/p>\n Currently, plans have been adjusted to initiate production of the Block I variant in parallel with the continued development and testing of the prototype.<\/span><\/p>\n However, <\/span>ongoing issues<\/span><\/a> with Indonesia\u2019s role in the program spotlight the difficulties of attracting external clients or partners that can support the further development of this advanced fighter aircraft.<\/span><\/p>\n DEVELOPMENT STAGES<\/b><\/p>\n The KF-21 Boramae, intended to replace the ROK Air Force\u2019s aging F-4 Phantom IIs and F-5 Tiger IIs, is undergoing a phased development approach to minimize technological risks. <\/span>The plan<\/span><\/a> is to construct 40 aircraft in the Block I configuration by 2026, equipped with initial air-to-air combat capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n Following this, the development of Block II will commence, aiming to introduce air-to-ground weaponry, including the Korea Air Launched Cruise Missile, by 2028.<\/span><\/p>\n The most advanced stage, Block III, is set to revolutionize the KF-21 with significant design enhancements. These improvements aim to elevate the aircraft\u2019s stealth capabilities by refining its radar signature and fully operationalizing the internal weapons bays, which, in their current design, lack essential components like bay doors.<\/span><\/p>\n The KAI and ROK Air Force recently unveiled a revised vision for Block III. This new vision incorporates unmanned aerial vehicles intended to serve as \u201cloyal wingmen\u201d to the KF-21 alongside other <\/span>air-launched drones<\/span><\/a> designed to enhance the aircraft\u2019s operational reach.<\/span><\/p>\n By employing these drones, missions can be executed at greater distances from enemy air defenses, potentially reducing the need for certain stealth upgrades, such as the internal weapons bay.<\/span><\/p>\n EXPORT POTENTIAL<\/b><\/p>\n JaeHong Jake Kim, vice president for International Business Development at KAI, told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> that the company is actively marketing the Block I configuration of the KF-21 to potential international clients. This offering includes an option to upgrade the aircraft to the more advanced Block II and Block III configurations as they become available.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThere is no need to spend a huge amount of money or need to wait until Block III arrives,\u201d Kim told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n Kim also shared that the KAI has not yet made a formal proposal for the KF-21 in any ongoing fighter procurement programs. However, he stated that discussions are underway to position the Boramae as an addition to the Royal Malaysian Air Force\u2019s existing order of <\/span>FA-50 fighter jets<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Further, the Boramae has been presented to the <\/span>Philippine Air Force<\/span><\/a> as a potential addition to its fleet.<\/span><\/p>\n ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES<\/b><\/p>\n The early-stage export of the KF-21 presents the KAI and the South Korean government with a strategy to mitigate the financial impact of Indonesia\u2019s delays in fulfilling its commitments to the Boramae program. Despite Jakarta\u2019s assurances of its intention to cover its 20% share of the program costs, payment delays have been a concern.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Indonesia <\/span>resumed its contributions<\/span><\/a> in early November and is expected to contribute a <\/span>total<\/span><\/a> of $942 million by 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Polish Armaments Group (PAG) \u2014 a consortium comprising several Polish defense companies \u2014 <\/span>expressed interest<\/span><\/a> in participating in the KF-21 program in May. If this partnership materializes, it could involve the Polish group acquiring Indonesia\u2019s stake in the project, effectively replacing the Southeast Asian nation\u2019s financial and developmental role in the program.<\/span><\/p>\n