{"id":2203501,"date":"2024-01-16T17:46:55","date_gmt":"2024-01-16T08:46:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2203501"},"modified":"2024-01-17T18:11:45","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T09:11:45","slug":"brazilian-aircraft-procurement-sparks-industry-concerns-in-south-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/01\/brazilian-aircraft-procurement-sparks-industry-concerns-in-south-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"Brazilian aircraft procurement sparks industry concerns in South Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korea\u2019s Defense Acquisition Program Administration\u2019s (DAPA) <\/span>announcement<\/span><\/a> in December that it selected Embraer\u2019s C-390 Millennium for its Large Transport Aircraft (LTA) II project propels the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) to become the first Asian operator of the Brazilian-made tactical transport aircraft.<\/span><\/p>\n However, it also introduces uncertainty for Korea Aerospace Industries\u2019 (KAI) <\/span>MC-X proposal<\/span><\/a> for an indigenous tactical transport aircraft.<\/span><\/p>\n Chosen over Airbus\u2019 A400M and Lockheed Martin\u2019s C-130J, the C-390 Millennium\u2019s selection for the $54.4 million (710 billion won) project exemplifies South Korea\u2019s balancing act between foreign procurement and indigenous development.<\/span><\/p>\n The selection of the C-390 Millennium aligns with the ROK\u2019s long-standing efforts to balance indigenous development with foreign procurements, thus making a statement about its commitment to modernization, technological innovation and strategic partnerships.<\/span><\/p>\n In a statement issued to <\/span>Yonhap News Agency<\/span><\/i>, a DAPA spokesperson highlighted that acquiring the C-390 aircraft would enhance ROKAF\u2019s air transport capabilities, particularly in supporting peacekeeping operations.<\/span><\/p>\n Although the exact number of C-390s to be procured remains undisclosed by both DAPA and Embraer, <\/span>reports<\/span><\/a> from <\/span>Yonhap<\/span><\/i> suggest that an order for three aircraft is anticipated.<\/span><\/p>\n MULTI-ROLE AIRCRAFT<\/b><\/p>\n The C-390 Millennium, first flown in 2015, is Embraer\u2019s heaviest aircraft, and it signifies a departure from conventional designs in its class, primarily due to its twin turbojet engines. The company claims this feature enhances the aircraft\u2019s speed and range and increases its payload capacity to 26 tons, surpassing the C-130H\u2019s 19-ton maximum payload.<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond its technical specifications, its versatility allows for diverse mission types, reflecting ROKAF\u2019s need for multifunctional military assets. Equipped with <\/span>various equipment packages<\/span><\/a>, the C-390 can transition from a cargo transporter to roles such as aerial refueling, firefighting, search and rescue operations and medical evacuations.<\/span><\/p>\n Thus, South Korea\u2019s decision to procure the C-390 highlights a shift in ROKAF\u2019s strategy toward high-capability and versatile military assets, enhancing its operational capabilities to address a broad spectrum of modern-day defense challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n