The fighter is *** andMilitaryA symbol of strength, it is also the product of high technology and high investment. However, even the most advancedF-35A** fighterIt's not completely undamaged, either. One in South Koreaf-35aAfter being struck by an eagle, the cost of repairs is so high that it even exceeds the purchase of a new machine**. This makes you wonder if something went wrong at the time of purchase, or if there were unforeseen challenges during the repair processThis article will use this as a starting point to ** Korean purchasef-35aFightersrisks and costs.
In January last year, a South KoreanPilotsin drivingf-35aDuring flight training, he encountered an uninvited guest, an eagle, which led to a series of problems. The eagle struck the aircraft's left air intake, which in turn penetrated the bulkhead and entered the bomb bay, causing problems for the aircraft's avionics system, damaged hydraulic pipes and cables, and obstructed landing gear operation. This onef-35aIn the end, it was successfully forced to land on the belly. This event not only givesSouth Korean Air ForceIt brought losses, and also raised concerns about the cost of repairing the fighter.
After nearly two years of evaluation,f-35aThe manufacturer of Lockheed Martin identified this aircraftFightersAbout 300 parts were damaged, including the fuselage structure, engine, etc. The repair cost is expected to be as high as 140 billion won, equivalent to about 10.8 billion US dollars. Compared to the purchase price (about $85 million), the cost of repairs is staggering.
Considering the high cost of repairs and the time cost of repairsSouth Korean Air ForceThe final decision was made to put this on the rackf-35aDirectly decommissioned, instead of continuing with repairs. In fact, retirement also means the scrapping of fighters, and such sophisticated equipment will bid farewell to the battlefield.
Fighter aircraft are important equipment of the army, and the purchase of a fighter plane not only requires a huge amount of capital investment, but also bears the risk of introduction and maintenance. Korea purchasef-35aFightersThe decision highlights the complexity and utilitarian nature of the renewal of armaments.
f-35aAs a rather controversial oneFightersThe attendance rate was much lower than expected, and many defects and failures raised questions from all sides. However, in order to build closer with the United StatesMilitarypartnership, countries such as South Korea can only choose to buy thisFightersand had to bear all the risks and costs.
For South Korea, buyf-35aFightersThe security risks are even greater. According to reports, South Korea boughtf-35aNot only to counter the North Korean threat, but also to deter China. Some American experts directly said that the purpose of the United States is to spend South Korea's money to help itself deter China in the Asia-Pacific region. This means that in the event of a great power confrontation in the Asia-Pacific region, the South Korean armyPilotsProbably have to face the PLAJ-20Fighters。For a country like South Korea, this security risk is unbearable.
Korea purchasef-35aFightersThe events have given us some reflection. On the one hand, the decision to buy fighter jets cannot be just impulsive, but needs to be fully evaluated and considered. andMilitaryDecisions on equipment must be matched to the actual needs of the country, rather than blindly pursuing the most advanced technology. On the other hand, we should pay more attention to independent R&D and productionMilitaryThe ability to equip it. Over-reliance on imported equipment puts us in a passive position, unable to master technology and control costs. Therefore, we need to strengthen independent research and development and production capacity, reduce foreign dependence, and improve the quality of productionMilitaryStrength.
Given the risks and costs mentioned above, South Korea should reassess its purchasesf-35aFightersdecision-making. InMilitaryIn terms of equipment, there should be more emphasis on cost-effectiveness and sustainability, rather than chasing the most advanced technology. In addition, South Korea should also strengthen independent research and development and production capacity to improveMilitaryThe degree of self-sufficiency of the equipment. Only in this way will South Korea be able to maintain *** andMilitaryIn terms of strength, he is more calm and confident.