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| A model of one of several possible KF-X designs |
Michael Herh
Air Force Chief of Staff Jung Gyeong-doo said that even though the U.S. may not provide four core technologies required for the development of the KF-X Korean fighter, Korea will be able to push forward with the KF-X project. The F-35A purchase contract does not include providing the four core technologies, either, Air Force Chief of Staff Jung said in a parliamentary inspection of the Air Force Headquarters on Sept. 22.
Earlier, in Sept. 2014, the Korean military demanded the transfer of 25 technologies such as AESA radar, flight control, avionics, and weapons, while deciding to introduce 40 F-35A fighters for 7.34 trillion won (US$6.23 billion).
But the U.S. government refused to approve exports of the four core technologies due to national security concerns, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said. The four items are AESA radar, infrared search and tracking equipment (IRST), electro-optical target tracking devices (EO TGP), and RF Jammers. The Korean military was planning to use the technologies in 2025. It was known that the four technologies were not included in the official contract when the Korean government decided to introduce F-35A fighters.
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