Posted on 07/09/2010 11:41:35 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
There is a resurgence in interest in South Korea's fighter aircraft requirements, with the east Asian country deciding on a variety of aircraft as part of an ongoing modernisation of its air force's capabilities.
The choices represent a mix of imported and indigenous solutions, with the country trying to find a way to match its operational requirements with a desire to promote the local industry, mainly state-owned Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).
South Korea has maintained three levels of fighters - low, medium and high - as part of its operational capability. At the low level are Northrop F-5s, at the medium level McDonnell Douglas F-4s, and Lockheed Martin F-16s and Boeing F-15Ks at the high level. Replacements are being considered at all levels.
For the low-level requirement, the government finally awarded 400 billion won ($306 million) to KAI to develop a prototype of a light attack version of its T-50 advanced jet trainer, with a production contract likely to be awarded after the aircraft has been tested by the nation's air force.
Ping
NOTE: This article appeared in 12/09
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