via KT.
But the problem is that Seoul is expected to finalize the F-35 order this year, aiming for the first delivery of the stealth jet in 2018.Read the entire story here.
Since aging F-4s and F-5s are to retire soon, it would mean a big hole in Air Force’s fleet of fighter jets.
The Air Force, by some estimates, would be in need of 100 new fighters by 2020.
The current budget can secure only 40 F-35s with 8.3 trillion won ($7.8 billion) 60 F-X IIIs, but Lockheed says that amount could secure 52 or 53 F-35s.
Amid the growing concerns, European Aeronautic Defense and Security Company (EADS) and Boeing, both of which can meet the timeline, are proposing a split-buy.
“If I were the Korean Air Force, I would actually do a 20-40 split-buy. That way you give yourself a chance to assess the F-35s and you might also get 40 newer aircraft at a much better price,” said James Hardy, Asia-Pacific editor of IHS Jane’s Defense Weekly.
“The split-buy makes sense because there is still some uncertainty about the software development timeline of the F-35. Most of its advanced capabilities are only due to come with the Block 3F software, which isn’t likely to be deployed until 2017. Software has been perhaps the most challenging aspect of the F-35’s development thus far,” said Greg Waldron, Asia managing editor of FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry website.
The problem for Lockheed Martin, the USAF and the Marine Corps is that others will look at whats going on and wonder if they're actually making the right move.
I seriously doubt that S. Korea will buy 40 airplanes. My guess is that they're going to do something to mollify the Pentagon...promise to buy the plane in the future, but take care of their defense needs now. Eurofighter and Advanced F-15SK are probably still in the running to supply all 100 airplanes now. Lockheed Martin will probably have orders in the 2020-2030 timeframe wrapped up though.