What is the reason for the first F-35 of its own KF-21, but South Korea has once again purchased F-35. What is the reason behind this?

"Military and Military Secondary Point" Author: Lu Yan

Recently, the prototype of the KF21 "Advanced Fighter" in South Korea is under ground testing, and according to South Korea, it will take its first flight by August. In the next five or six years, it will be equipped with fighters that do not have stealth ability in the early five or six years. However, almost at the same time, South Korea's defense agencies support the South Korean military to buy about 20 F35A fighters again. On the one hand, the so -called advanced fighters developed by themselves, on the other hand, buy stealth fighters such as F35 from the United States. So what exactly does South Korea play?

▲ Picture source: network.

There are so many countries to buy weapons in South Korea, one is its own old neighbor, and the other is the neighbor that invades its own on the other side of the sea. The rest is the two surrounding powers. South Korea actually considers the purchase of F35 a long time ago. South Korea began the so -called FX fighter plan in the early days of this century, and it was divided into three stages. We have always emphasized that the development of military weapons in Turkey, including India and Japan, is actually South Korea. In the first stage of FX, in 2002, South Korea chose the F15K fighter very pragmatic, which is an advanced multi -purpose fighter that was improved on the basis of F15E fighter. At that time, competitors include French gusts fighters, typhoon fighters in Europe, and surprisingly surprising Su 35 fighters. It is obvious that the F15K victory is obvious. It is impossible for the United States to allow such an important ally in South Korea to purchase European fighters, and it is impossible to purchase fighters from Russia.

▲ Picture source: network.

In the second stage of the FX fighter plan, the Air Force purchased 21 F15K fighters in addition to replacing the F5AB fighter that retired in 2007. This batch of F15K fighters purchased uses new engines, which has also enhanced the compatibility of weapons.

In fact, South Korea originally intended to purchase the US F35 fighter in the future, but because the F35 was an international joint project, South Korea had been ranked around 2018, and the long water could not be resolved. Therefore, this is why South Korea ’s additional F15K has been purchased. Although the F15K has a clear gap compared to the F35, it is absolutely enough to deal with the risk of neighboring countries. The F15 is also the most advanced fighter in the Asia -Pacific region.

▲ Picture source: network.

In the third stage of the FX plan, South Korea actually took two steps. The first step was the self -developed KF21 fighter that mentioned earlier. It was called KFX at the time to replace the aging F4 and F5 fighters. Because the overall process of developing a new fighter was too long, in order to cope with the threat at the time, South Korea officially decided to purchase 40 F35A fighters in 2014. By March 2019, the earliest two F35A fighters arrived in South Korea, and in December 2021, Lockheed and Martin delivered all 40 F35A Block3 fighters to South Korea.

▲ Picture source: network.

The reason why South Korea intends to purchase an additional 20 F35 fighters is mainly because neighbors already have advanced stealth fighters. South Korea also admits that its KF21 fighter does not have a very strong combat capabilities at the beginning, and even the non -stealth versions and typhoon fighters, lack of ground attack capabilities, only air combat capabilities. This also directly shows that South Korea's development ability is still limited, which is still in the case of cooperation with Lockheed Martin.

The South Korean Air Force was worried that there was no other foreign aid between 2025 and 2031, and it was difficult for the Air Force for the Air Force for neighboring countries. The 30 new F35 is the most advanced Block4 model. It is advanced and can carry more ammunition. The attack power is better than the previous Block3.

▲ Picture source: network.

From this procurement plan, it can be seen that South Korea's country is more pragmatic in the procurement and development of fighters, and it can also be aware of its own problems, and it will be reinforced in a practical and effective way. After continuing to purchase these 20 F35 fighters, the number of F35 in South Korea will increase to 60. In addition, the previous F16 and F15 fighters plus the KF21 fighter developed by the future. It can even be said to be a strong tour.

▲ Picture source: network.

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