Korean KF-X Stealth Fighter Project Endangered

It seems that four very important technologies were not secured as part of the F-35 buy for the South Koreans. This is likely to grossly impact their KF-X project, putting it on hold, if not worse.

Interesting but....... I understand that IF they want to develop indigenous technology from scratch yes it would take 20 years for AESA etc. But if the US is not playing ball im pretty sure that a EF-2000 or Rafale buy even without a generous industrial offset plan or local production would jump start the process. Heck China has made an entire AF out of using Soviet designs or hacking DOD mainframes.

Assuming that the South Korea does not have ambitions to attack Japan or China, the Typhoon or Rafale seems like a better choice in terms of cost and capacity. Especially if you factor that the US will commit the B-2, F-22, and the F-35 in all 3 flavors to their defense if the North invades. Heck maybe they can sell them the A-10 the USAF is so determined to kill to prop up the JSF