[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) on June 10 firmly denied online rumors claiming that South Korea’s indigenous fighter jet, the KF-21 Boramae, was developed using stolen technology from the U.S. F-22 Raptor.

In an official statement, KAI said allegations circulating on social media linking a Korean-American researcher, identified as Park Simong, to the KF-21 program are “completely untrue.”

The rumors claimed that technology related to the F-22, allegedly taken by the individual, had been transferred to KF-21 engineers. Park is known to have been involved in aspects of F-22 development, including navigation systems.

KAI strongly refuted the claims, stating that it has “never engaged in any form of collaboration or technical cooperation with the individual” during the KF-21 development process.

The company emphasized that the KF-21 program has been carried out in full compliance with all relevant laws, procedures, and international regulations regarding technology transfer and intellectual property rights. “There has been absolutely no unauthorized use or application of U.S. technology or data,” it added.

KAI warned that the spread of unverified or false information could undermine the credibility of South Korea’s defense industry and devalue the efforts of engineers involved in the KF-21 project, while also potentially harming international partnerships.

The KF-21 has recently completed its system development phase in the first half of the year and is set to enter full-scale mass production in the second half. The South Korean Air Force plans to begin deployment with 20 units later this year, aiming to operate a total of 120 aircraft by 2032.

 

 

[ⓒ 알파경제. 무단전재-재배포 금지]