Hyundai Rotem's Frightening Secret... Taking Over Even Hypersonic Engines? / Do Four Missiles Cost as Much as One Fighter Jet? The Real Reason Indonesia Turned Away from KF-21 | Military Expert Research Fellow Kim Dae-young

Summary

Kim Dae-young, a military expert research fellow at the Korea National Strategy Institute, explains the export outlook for Korean fighter platforms and shifting dynamics in Southeast Asian defense procurement. He discusses Malaysia's fleet simplification, Indonesia's reduced KF-21 commitment, and UAE interest in the KF-21. The conversation also covers missile costs, domestic weapons development, and investment implications favoring missile and ammunition makers over platform manufacturers. Hyundai Rotem's aerospace engine work is highlighted as an underappreciated defense development.

• Malaysia is reducing fighter types and increasing quantities, favoring Korean platforms like FA-50 and KF-21.
• Southeast Asian countries value FA-50 combat experience, proximity for maintenance, and Korean service culture.
• Indonesia has cut planned KF-21 Block 1 orders and is buying aircraft from multiple other suppliers.
• UAE interest in the KF-21 is unlikely to change Indonesia's stance.
• Meteor air-to-air missiles are very expensive, strengthening the case for domestic missile development.
• The guest favors missile and ammunition defense stocks over platform makers due to recurring consumption.
• Hyundai Rotem is expanding into aerospace engines, including for hypersonic missiles.