Korean defense firms will provide maintenance service for F-35 jet

By Lee Min-hyung

F-35 fighter jet

A consortium of Korean defense companies has won a license to provide maintenance services for key parts of F-35 fighter jets, the nation's defense procurement agency said Tuesday.

Under the contract with the U.S. Department of Defense, five local defense and aerospace companies will perform maintenance and repairs for F-35 avionics, electronics and aircraft injection systems components.

The consortium, which has labeled itself Team Republic of Korea (ROK), is made up of Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, Korean Air, LIG Nex1 and Hyundai Glovis. They will work on the maintenance of parts for the F-35 combat aircraft from 2024 to 2040, according to the Defense Procurement and Program Agency (DAPA).

DAPA did not release any details on the specific value of the deal.

The latest achievement is part of the agency's efforts to build an export-driven defense industry here by reducing heavy reliance on the local market and win more orders from overseas territories, according to DAPA.

“We expect the contract to allow Korean companies to join the global supply chain of the F-35, and this will pave the way for them to expand their presence across the globe and gain more opportunities to sign future services exports partnerships,” a DAPA official said.

“The government and defense industry will continue to enhance communication channels and build an ecosystem for a long-term and sustainable partnership,” said the official.

DAPA chief Wang Jung-hong also pledged to help more Korean defense players grab opportunities in services exports.