President Kang Gu-young: "99% of KAI Employees Oppose Acquisition Rumors"

"KF-21 Development Progressing Smoothly"

[Abu Dhabi=Ministry of National Defense Joint Press Corps & Asia Economy Military Specialist Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] Kang Gu-young, CEO of KAI (Korea Aerospace Industries), stated on the 20th (local time) regarding the test flight of the KF-21 prototype No. 4, “Whether it is a two-seater or single-seater, it can be developed without major issues under the same concept.”

Kang Gu-young, CEO of KAI (Korea Aerospace Industries). (Photo by Ministry of National Defense Joint Press Corps)

On the same day at IDES2023 held in Abu Dhabi, Kang met with the Ministry of National Defense joint press corps and said about the KF-21, “There is a need to show answers to strategic interests.” At the KAI booth, scale models of the KF-21, FA50, MCX (multi-purpose transport aircraft), Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH), and Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) were displayed, and large panels were showing videos related to these scale models.

Regarding the military transport aircraft to be jointly developed by Korea and the UAE, Kang said, “It has not been confirmed whether the UAE government and our government share the same mindset,” adding, “It is not yet a matter to be concretized.”

Below is the Q&A.

- What is the background and impression of attending IDEX2023?

▲ This has traditionally been a place where KAI puts in a lot of effort. After coming here, I understand why KAI has invested so much effort. While there is interest from the Middle East region, visitors from Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe have also shown interest at our booth. We will coordinate the new projects that have emerged here well and deliver good news.

- It is said that the flight of the KF-21 two-seater prototype No. 4 was successful. Has there been any interest or export-related discussions from countries like the UAE regarding the KF-21?

▲ Professional buyers have shown high interest in the KF-21 test flight. From our standpoint, there is a strategic necessity to proceed accordingly.

- What is the significance of the flight of the KF-21 No. 4?

▲ It differs from previous test flights. Since the No. 4 is a two-seater, the fuel system and center of gravity differ from the single-seater. Dynamic issues could arise, but it proceeded very smoothly. Development can continue without major problems under the same concept for both two-seater and single-seater. The remaining test is the integration of the avionics system.

- It was reported that KAI’s order backlog is the largest ever. What products will you focus on in the Middle East, including the UAE?

▲ It is the transport aircraft business. Neither the UAE nor KAI has yet produced a large platform. Joint development with the UAE can be initiated. This is also true for fighter jets. The UAE has mostly imported fighter jets from the US and France. Export licensing (E/L) could be an issue. For this reason, the UAE is paying close attention to our fighter jets.

- What is the timeline for transport aircraft development?

▲ Combining 2 years of exploratory development, 2 years of administrative procedures, and 8 years of system development, it takes about 12 years. KAI aims to reduce this time by more than 2 years for our transport aircraft development.

- What is your position on the KF-21 acquisition rumors?

▲ The rumors continue because there is demand. If KAI were incurring losses, no one would want to buy it. The influence on acquisition depends on the will of executives and the government. Although the Export-Import Bank or government can decide, 99% of KAI employees oppose acquisition. They believe the system should not be shaken because things are going well now. The most important thing is security. It must be considered whether the privatization of KAI helps or harms national security. Looking at the Ukraine war and past Gulf and Iraq wars, aerospace power played a core role in warfare. KAI is responsible for over 70% of our military power. The US rigorously fosters competition between Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Engines also compete between GE and P&W. The country controls through competition. Monopolies can undermine national security.