Summary: South Korea's journey towards developing an indigenous military capability, particularly in the aerospace sector, reflects its strategic necessity and technological prowess. Initiating in the 1990s, this pursuit was driven by several factors: South Korea's advanced technological base, the geopolitical threat from North Korea, the desire for defense autonomy, and the wish to not be overly dependent on U.S. defense supplies. A significant milestone in this journey was the development of the T-50 jet fighter, started in 1992 and becoming a pivotal part of the Air Force by 2002. Designed initially as a trainer, the T-50 evolved into the FA-50 "Fighting Eagle," a combat variant enjoying domestic use and international sales. 

Why the KAI T-50 Matters 

South Korea has been on a learning curve when it comes to developing an indigenous military. Particularly an indigenous air force. Sure, South Korea has had a modern military for decades. But it has been critically relianton its American partners for key inputs to sustain their forces. Beginning in the 1990s, South Korea started to investigate the possibility of enhancing their domestic defense production capabilities. 

Here's Why the South Koreans Need to Build Their Own Systems

There are good reasons for South Korea wanting to enhance their domestic defense production. 

The first is that South Korea is an advanced nation with a modern technology base. It most certainly can indigenously design and produce its own systems. 

The second reason is that South Korea’s geography, sitting at the bottom of a peninsula in which one-half—the northern portion—is ruled by an autocratic, nuclear-arming despot that has recently stated he plans on annihilating his southern neighbors. 

The third reason is that, because of the geographical complications, South Korea cannot afford to outsource the defense production for its military to a foreign power—even one as potent as the United States. 

The fourth reason is that, as a modern and technologically advanced nation, South Korea might not want to be tied down to the proclivities of its distant American allies. Therefore, being able to produce and field their own indigenous systems would help to keep some autonomy in the relationship.

The T-50

Beginning in 1992, the South Koreans began designing the T-50 jet fighter. By 1999, the South Koreans had reorganized their defense sector, merging the aerospace divisions of Hyundai, Daewoo, and Samsung. After this reorganization occurred, the T-50 production was underway. The South Korean government had always envisaged using the T-50 as a jet trainer system. South Korean Air Force pilots would train on the indigenously built T-50 to learn how to operate the other warplanes in South Korea’s air fleet. 

But the T-50 was not a one-off. South Korea’s defense industry began transitioning away from exclusively relying upon American defense contractors (while still partnering with them) to provide their warplanes. For example, in the 1980s, working with their partners in the United States, South Korea built its own variant of the F-16 (the KF-16). The parts and other elements for the plane are all indigenously sourced. The T-50 was the next logical step: developing an entirely unique fighter system. 

Once completed by 200ost2, the T-50 became an essential component of the South Korea Air Force. By 2011, the T-50 was so popular among South Korean fighter pilots that the South Korean government funded the creation of a “combat variant” of the T-50 known as the FA-50 “Fighting Eagle.” Both the T-50 and FA-50 have enjoyed immense popularity as an export system. This has garnered the South Koreans money from multiple foreign nations. What’s more, it has sustained their nascent defense industry by ensuring an increased demand for these systems. 

The T-50 looks like a miniature F-16 and has a two-seater variant. Seven external hardpoints carry a variety of weapons into combat. The T-50 can carry a weapon on the centerline beneath the fuselage. It can further carry two weapons under each of its wings. Plus, there are air-to-air missile launch rails at the ends of both wings (these fire AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles). Overall, the T-50 can carry rocket pods, air-to-air missiles, and air-to-surface missiles. Specifically, the T-50 can be equipped with AGM-65 Maverick missiles. If that doesn’t tickle the mission planners’ fancy, then a variety of bombs can be attached to the bird, such as the mk82, 83, or 83 rockets. 

As for the T-50 engines, a single General Electric type F404-GE-102 turbofan engine powers the plane. This plane has internal fuel tanks, too. The bird can travel at a maximum speed of 1,141 miles per hour (that’s almost at Mach 2). It has a range of about 1,151 miles. 

And, a key point: the plane is relatively cheap. 

A Proof of Concept

Sure, the T-50 is just a trainer and it still utilizes elements of the American defense supply chain. But between the KF-16 and T-50, there is a clear evolution by Seoul’s government to incubate an increasing indigenous capacity to sustain their national defense. Because of the investments made by South Korea to stand up and enhance its own defense industrial capability, the South Koreans have designed their next major warplane, the KF-21 “Boramae.”

The T-50 has been an excellent addition to the South Korean Air Force.  

About the Author 

Brandon J. Weichert, a National Interest national security analyst, is a former Congressional staffer and geopolitical analyst who is a contributor at The Washington Times, the Asia Times, and The-Pipeline. He is the author of Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His next book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine, is due October 22 from Encounter Books. Weichert can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.

Image Credit: Creative Commons.