Choice of next gen. fighter model postponed

The defense ministry said it was putting off the selection of the models for next-generation fighter program (FX) and ground-to-air missile (SAMX) until September and August, respectively.

It had been originally scheduled for July. The postponement was reported to a National Assembly defense committee meeting on Wednesday. The report also suggested possible further rescheduling, depending on the outcomes of the ongoing negotiations with prospective suppliers.

The ministry said eight medium-sized transport planes (CN235) assembled in Indonesia would be delivered around next March, nine months later than originally scheduled, on account of an embargo imposed by the United States on the export of navigation equipment to be placed on the planes.

Lee Chol-Hi klimt@donga.com