ADEX 2019: KAI could be 'open' to additional foreign partners on KFX

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) could be open to considering additional foreign partners on its project to develop the Korean Fighter Experimental (KFX) aircraft, Jane’s has learnt. The potential move comes as the KFX project faces challenges related to investment and capabilities.

Indonesia – Korea's KFX development partner – has stalled on about KRW300 billion (USD253 million) in costs to support its involvement in the project because of funding shortages, while local industry faces obstacles to develop some critical technologies for the platform.

A KAI official, who did not want to be identified, told Jane’s at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) on 16 October that the KFX development project is still regarded as “open” in terms of technology partners. “We could consider additional partners in the future,” he said.

However, a KAI spokesperson speaking on 17 October said that since the critical design review (CDR) of the KFX was complete, new technology alliances were unlikely. “The CDR is now complete. There is no requirement for technical assistance,” she said.

Under a defence offset package linked to South Korea’s 2014 procurement of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the US corporation is already positioned as a technical partner on the KFX. Lockheed Martin is obligated to provide assistance across 21 technology suites including flight controls, avionics, systems integration, materials, and unspecified fighter aircraft weaponry.