South Korea was once so poor that its citizens donated money so the government could buy five American fighter jets.
In 1975 the country held a national fundraising drive to buy the F-4 Phantoms.
Now the third-largest arms exporter to NATO countries, South Korea provides affordable military hardware like the K2 battle tanks and K9 howitzers, reflecting its significant economic and technological growth. This evolution culminated in June 2024 when South Korea retired those Cold War-era F-4 Phantoms, paving the way for its indigenous supersonic jet, the KF-21 Boramae, aimed to compete with the U.S. F-35 as a more economical option.
The development of the KF-21, with mass production slated for 2026, symbolizes South Korea’s ambition to not only produce but also design advanced military technology, enhancing its role in global defense and security.
This shift is driven by pressing strategic necessities including increased military coordination with the U.S. and allies, amid rising tensions with North Korea, China, and Russia, showcasing South Korea’s transition from a poor consumer nation to a significant player in international military affairs.
Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2024-08-24/south-korea-domestic-fighter-jets-14964601.html
Source – Stars and Stripes