Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

S. Korea's Exports of T-50 Trainer Jets Meet US Opposition
KBS World Radio ^ | 2015-10-25

Posted on 10/25/2015 7:35:02 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki

South Korea’s plan to export its T-50 trainer jets to Uzbekistan has met the opposition of the United States.

An official at the Korea Aerospace Industries, the producer of the T-50, said on Saturday that Uzbekistan wants to import T-50 trainer jets, but Washington voiced opposition to Seoul’s exports of the aircraft citing its diplomatic policy.

The official, however, said that the export plan did not completely break down, adding the Uzbek government is persuading the U.S. government on the matter.

T-50 is South Korea’s first homegrown supersonic trainer jet, but avionics equipment, engines and other core components were imported from the United States.

For this reason, South Korea has to obtain the consent of the U.S. government when it exports the aircraft to other countries.

South Korea had planned to sell 12 T-50 jets worth 400-million U.S. dollars to Uzbekistan.


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: aerospace; southkorea; t50; uzbekistan

1 posted on 10/25/2015 7:35:02 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: sukhoi-30mki

It look like an F-5 and an F-16 had a kid.


2 posted on 10/25/2015 7:38:33 AM PDT by Sirius Lee (Cruz or Lose 2016)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: sukhoi-30mki
Our defense industry really hates competition.
3 posted on 10/25/2015 7:40:27 AM PDT by Mr. Jeeves ("Don't judge all Muslims by a few lunatics - judge all gun owners by a few lunatics." - The DNC)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Mr. Jeeves

The U.S. doesn’t really compete in the “trainer/light attack” category. The T-50 (which was codeveloped with Lockheed Martin) is being proposed for the USAF’s new trainer competition.


4 posted on 10/25/2015 7:41:43 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: sukhoi-30mki

Trainer? Looks more like a CAGS weapon.


5 posted on 10/25/2015 7:42:00 AM PDT by Bringbackthedraft (In the words of Oliver Hardy; "Another fine mess you have gotten us into.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Bringbackthedraft

That’s the strike variant.


6 posted on 10/25/2015 7:42:35 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: sukhoi-30mki

If they agreed on export control then no sale, but expect S.Korea to begin development of home grown parts as a result


7 posted on 10/25/2015 7:46:11 AM PDT by Bidimus1
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: sukhoi-30mki

If they agreed on export control then no sale, but expect S.Korea to begin development of home grown parts as a result


8 posted on 10/25/2015 7:47:31 AM PDT by Bidimus1
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: Bidimus1

The T-50 has been sold to Indonesia, Iraq and the Philippines (as far as I know), so it’s not like the U.S. doesn’t want to export it.

I don’t think South Korea can develop homegrown parts given its engine is American. Given the development times involved, it would be impractical to develop a brand-new engine for what will be a 90s design.


9 posted on 10/25/2015 7:49:33 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: Bidimus1

The T-50 has been sold to Indonesia, Iraq and the Philippines (as far as I know), so it’s not like the U.S. doesn’t want to export it.

I don’t think South Korea can develop homegrown parts given its engine is American. Given the development times involved, it would be impractical to develop a brand-new engine for what will be a 90s design.


10 posted on 10/25/2015 7:49:33 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: sukhoi-30mki
It out flies the F-35?
11 posted on 10/25/2015 8:00:14 AM PDT by TYVets
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: sukhoi-30mki
The T-50 has been sold to Indonesia, Iraq and the Philippines (as far as I know), so it’s not like the U.S. doesn’t want to export it.

The US is on pretty good terms with Indonesia, especially with the Phillipines, and has been half-building Iraq.

Uzbekistan, while not on bad terms with the US, isn't considered that great of a friend. 95% Muslim (mostly non-denominational, not sure how that works), they allowed us an airbase during the Iraq/Afghanistan wars, but kicked us out later. They're currently more friendly with Russia and China than us, so I would expect that to be part of the reason why the US would be wary of allowing US parts to go to their country.
12 posted on 10/25/2015 10:06:31 AM PDT by Svartalfiar
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: sukhoi-30mki

$33,000,000 a copy? For that?

And the F-35 costs too much?


13 posted on 10/25/2015 12:37:04 PM PDT by Sequoyah101 (It feels like we have exchanged our dreams for survival. We just have a few days that don't suck.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: TYVets

A Cessna outflies the F-35.


14 posted on 10/25/2015 12:38:26 PM PDT by Sequoyah101 (It feels like we have exchanged our dreams for survival. We just have a few days that don't suck.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: TYVets

That’s what Canada will be claiming.


15 posted on 10/25/2015 5:49:14 PM PDT by Oztrich Boy (It's funny 'cos it's trure - Homer)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson