Next-generation fighters under negotiations

Serious negotiations are currently underway for the adoption of the next-generation FX fighter planes, the largest military procurement project ever.

The Defense Procurement Program Administration said it is proceeding with negotiations for the transfer of technology in the development of next-generation fighters and the final model will be decided in June.

South Korea is currently looking at a fighter procurement program valued at 8.3 trillion won ($7.7 billion) for the replacement of the worn-out F-4 and F-5 fighter units numbering about 60.

Price negotiations are expected to begin on April 18 with companies including Boeing, EADS and Lockheed Martin. Initial negotiations are already underway, government officials hinted.

One of the problems is that there are limitations to the technology and the level of fighter planes that can be provided to South Korea under international agreements, they added.