Concerns Over KF-21 Fighter Jet Program Delays Due to Rising Production Costs
Axios (Tổng hợp từ english.kyodonews.net)
The KF-21, South Korea's first indigenous fighter jet program, faces potential delays due to rising production costs that are significantly exceeding initial estimates. The cost surge, driven by inflation and material price volatility, may force budget adjustments or order reductions, impacting Air Force modernization.
SEOUL – South Korea's first indigenous fighter jet program, the KF-21, is at risk of delays as production costs for the next phase are projected to rise sharply compared to initial estimates. This information was disclosed in a document released by the country's state arms procurement agency on Tuesday.
The document indicates that the cost of follow-on production for the KF-21 may be significantly higher than originally planned, raising concerns about potential setbacks in the deployment and delivery schedule to the South Korean Air Force. The program is currently in the development and testing phase, with a goal of moving to mass production in the coming years.
The primary causes are attributed to inflation, fluctuations in raw material prices, and rising labor costs in the defense industry. Analysts warn that if costs continue to escalate, the South Korean government may need to adjust the budget or reduce the number of aircraft in the initial order, impacting the Air Force modernization plans.
The KF-21 project is a key defense program for South Korea, aiming to develop a 4.5-generation fighter to replace aging F-4 and F-5 fleets. No official statement has yet been made by the South Korean Ministry of National Defense regarding any adjustments to the schedule or budget.
