The next-generation aircraft developed by Korea Aerospace
Industries Ltd (KAI) is designed to be a cheaper, less-stealthy alternative to
the U.S.-built F-35, on which South Korea relies.
The display at the KAI headquarters in the southern city of
Sacheon was attended by Moon and representatives from Indonesia, which
partnered with South Korea on the project.
"A new era of independent defence has begun," Moon
said, according to a transcript of his comments released by his office.
The advantages of having a domestically produced fighter
could not be overstated, he added.
"Whenever we need it, we can make it."
Moon has sought to boost the defence industry, both as a way
to spur economic growth through exports, as well as to chart a more independent
path in a country that has relied heavily on its major ally, the United States.
South Korea continues to buy large amounts of military
hardware from the United States but under Moon the military announced its
"acquisition policy will change to centre around domestic R&D rather
than overseas purchases".
KAI plans to carry out ground testing this year, with first
flights expected in 2022. The plan is to eventually replace most of South
Korea’s older, U.S.-made F-4 and F-5 fighter jets, and produce more for export.
Moon said South Korea would have at least 40 of the new jets
combat-ready by 2028, and 120 by 2032.
When deployed by the South Korean military, the aircraft
will be known as the KF-21 Boramae.
South Korea and Indonesia agreed in 2014 to jointly develop
the fighter in a project worth 7.5 trillion won ($6.3 billion), with Indonesia
paying 20% of the cost. But in 2018, Jakarta sought to renegotiate to take
pressure off its foreign reserves, later seeking to barter for its share of the
cost.
Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto discussed the
issue with Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong during a visit to Seoul, with both
sides agreeing to hold high-level talks about security cooperation, South
Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement, without elaborating on the cost
dispute.
Indonesia's Defence Ministry did not mention the project or
funding but noted in a statement that the two countries had agreed to deepen
cooperation, including in the defence industry.
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