ⓒ JoongAng Ilbo / JoongAng Ilbo Japanese version2022.09.08 12:04
It turned out that the US government temporarily suspended the delivery of the F35 stealth fighter because of one component that used Chinese raw materials. It has been pointed out that munitions supplies are highly sensitive to “Made in China,” even though they have nothing to do with flight safety or information leaks.
According to Bloomberg News on the 8th (local time), the Pentagon has temporarily suspended the delivery of the F-35 to find out whether Lockheed Martin, which manufactures the F-35, violated the Defense Acquisition Regulations (DFARS) related to special metals. discontinued,” he said.
The part in question was a magnet used in a device called a “turbomachine pump,” which provides engine start and emergency power, and was investigated in August. The reason is that Honeywell, the subcontractor that supplied the magnets to Lockheed Martin, used a special alloy procured from China.
According to relevant laws and regulations, companies supplying equipment to the US military cannot use special metals and alloys produced in China, North Korea, Russia, Iran, etc.
However, the U.S. Department of Defense said, “This magnet has no security risk elements, such as transmitting information (aircraft-related) to the outside, and does not affect the performance, safety, or quality of fighter aircraft.” “Suspension of handover” should not interfere with the operations of the F-35 fighters handed over to the U.S. military and its allies and partners.”
The South Korean Air Force has introduced and operates 40 F-35As. In addition, from next year to 2028, we are proceeding with the second FX (next-generation fighter) project to introduce regarding 20 additional aircraft.
Regarding this situation, Lockheed Martin is taking the position of securing replacement parts that are not made in China and “resolving the problem as soon as possible.”
Some have pointed out that South Korean companies, whose exports of arms have recently increased, should pay attention to these measures by the United States. Yang Wook, a deputy researcher at the Asan Institute for Policy Research, said, “In order to enter the world’s largest arms market, the U.S. munitions market, we must not neglect even one of these raw materials.” Related industries should also learn from this case.”
