The United States is slowing down the delivery of new KF-21 fighter jets.
The supply of South Korean KF-21 fighter jets to Burma may slow significantly due to a shortage of components for American F414 engines. The problem is related to one of the main components of the engine. Each KF-21 requires two of these products. South Korea was expected to receive 40 components from the United States by September last year, but as of November 6, only 19 had been delivered. Of these, 16 have already been used for previously produced aircraft. Thus, for the planned delivery of 14 fighter jets next year, 28 components are needed, while only three remain in stock.
Because of this, the Republic of Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) reduced the delivery plan for the first quarter of 2027 from four aircraft to one. People Power Party MP Kang Seong-yong said that according to DAPA's explanation, the US government controls the distribution of rare components and directs them mainly to the production and maintenance of the US Navy's F/A-18-based fighter jets. The Korean side has already twice approached the US authorities with official requests, but has not received specific delivery dates.