LMFAO - S. Korea Delays F-35 Program

The F-35 Lightening II stealth fighter developed by Lockheed Martin of the United States is one potential aircraft that could meet South Korea’s needs for its F-X III program, which will be delayed by one year to 2012. / Courtesy of Lockeed Martin


(Exclusive) Seoul to delay fighter jet program
By Jung Sung-ki

A major fighter jet acquisition program originally scheduled for 2011 is likely to be pushed back by a year due to budget constraints and a readjustment of priorities in the wake of the sinking of the frigate Cheonan on March 26, according to defense officials Wednesday.

Air Force officials and defense experts are worried that the country’s fighter modernization efforts could be compromised despite growing calls here to replace the Air Force’s aging fleet of F-4E and F-5E/F aircraft. These planes have been involved in several fatal crashes in recent years.

The third phase F-X fighter acquisition competition for 40 to 60 advanced stealth aircraft was to have started next year with a final contract in 2012, following the first two stages of obtaining 60 F-15K aircraft built by U.S. aerospace giant Boeing.

If delayed, a contract could be sealed as early as 2013 and the delivery of aircraft would start after 2016.

According to a senior official at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) made a decision to postpone the F-X program after consultations with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance.



unhappycamper comment: The $243 million dollar price tag doesn't help, either.