[Gen.Blather]

Full disclosure; I spent a well paid career working in the military industrial complex for 33 years. I worked on all sorts of equipment that, although sold to the US, was destined for a foreign power. It’s sold to the US because if something happens politically, as sometimes did when the presidency changed parties, that equipment sale was cancelled but the equipment got built and delivered to the US military. Because, ultimately, it’s not about supplying equipment to a foreign power, it’s about jobs in the US.

From the perspective of US “allies” buying us military equipment or relying on US protection is idiotic. Every four or eight years the US becomes bipolar and slaps our allies or punishes them for, say, not allowing transgender rights, or a negative report on veganism. There’s any number of reasons why the US government might suddenly stop suppling vital components that will render your super expensive high tech military items into so much dead weight.

As for any future agreements, here’s what to negotiate for. Along with the purchase you get a full technical data package and production rights along with technical help in setting up a production facility. (Here’s a big hint. South Korea has most likely obtained the entire tech package by hook or crook (mostly crook) and has already set up a line to produce exact fit, form and function spares. I know this for a fact in the Abrams spares. AND, here’s another plus, they are cheaper than the sometimes inferior* US made parts.)

* Now, you might wonder why they could be inferior. Well, in two words, welfare jobs. Many US manufacturers got significant tax breaks by employing people off the welfare roles. Having dealt with this I can attest that people given the choice of sitting home swilling Coke and taking drugs or showing up to work 40-plus hour weeks don’t take kindly to the latter. And, if they aren’t actively sabotaging the equipment, their skills are poor and their attention to their work is limited. From what I’ve seen of Korean work, that isn’t the case there.

[RedMonqey]

“And, if they aren’t actively sabotaging the equipment, their skills are poor and their attention to their work is limited. "

My brother could attest to that. He worked a very good job at the local military installation repairing helicopters and one of his 'co-workers" fit that description. When he wasn't absent, his work product was so poor my brother would take the time to redo it so his work wouldn't look inferior. seems this 'worker' had a history of being shifted from job to job sector within the company cuz the bosses didn't want the hassle to fire this affirmative action" hire. Even other minorities hated him cuz he made their work slowdown and embarrassed he was "one of them'

My brother quit because he got tired of all the hassle.

[Ikeon]

I agree, if a person is inclined to drink crownroyal and do drugs on the government dime,is suddenly cut off from that dime and told to go to work. You can bet the work wont be worth a plug nickel. You need to start today cutting off the government support. So that FUTURE generations will learn the power of working for your wages.

[Rusty0604]

Thanks for the post.