 |
| A model of one of several possible designs for the KFX |
BY JEONG YONG-SOO, SER MYO-JA
SEONGNAM, Gyeonggi - Despite the recent controversy about Washington’s refusal to transfer technologies essential to building advanced fighter jets, Korea has already managed to develop some of the required systems, the JoongAng Ilbo learned Thursday.
Washington informed Seoul in April that it would not issue licenses for the transfer of four technologies considered crucial for Korea’s project to develop new multirole fighters with more advanced capabilities. Under the KF-X program, the government planned to invest a total of 18.4 trillion won ($16.2 billion) to develop 120 jets by 2025.
The U.S. rejection of the technology transfer was considered a major setback. Seoul’s calls for technology export licenses from Washington were repeatedly rebuffed, and the latest refusal came as President Park Geun-hye was visiting the United States earlier this month.
The JoongAng Ilbo learned Thursday that the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) has managed to develop two out of the four core technologies on its own.
The ADD even showed trial versions of an infrared search and track (IRST) system and electro-optical target tracking devices (EO TGP) at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition. The products, built in cooperation with Korean companies, were not available for public viewing but presented in a separate exhibition room to a small group of selected guests.
The exposition is taking place from Tuesday to Sunday at Seoul Air Base in southern Gyeonggi.
Read the full story at Korea JoongAng Daily