South Korea Backs Saudi Fighter Jet Project, President Lee Jae-myung Announces

South Korea has officially declared its support for Saudi Arabia's next-generation fighter jet development and production program, opening a new chapter in international security cooperation. President Lee Jae-myung stated that supporting Saudi Arabia's participation in the fighter jet project will strengthen bilateral relations and contribute to regional security.

This decision, coinciding with Saudi Arabia's efforts to modernize its aging air force, is attracting international attention. Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing plans to introduce and develop next-generation fighter jets and is already discussing cooperation with several countries. South Korea's support is expected to provide significant momentum to these efforts.

President Lee Jae-myung emphasized that "cooperation with Saudi Arabia is essential to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries and to jointly respond to the rapidly changing international security environment." He also predicted that "if South Korea's advanced technology and Saudi Arabia's abundant capital are combined, the next-generation fighter jet development project can be successfully promoted."

Analysts suggest that South Korea's decision could serve as a stepping stone to expanding cooperation beyond military affairs to various fields such as economy and culture. South Korea and Saudi Arabia have already established close cooperative relationships in the energy and construction sectors, and it is expected that this fighter jet project support will broaden the scope of cooperation.

However, international human rights organizations have expressed concern about South Korea's support for the Saudi Arabian fighter jet project. They point to Saudi Arabia's human rights situation and raise the possibility that South Korea's military technology could be used in conflict zones such as the Yemen war. An Amnesty International official urged, "The South Korean government must establish a thorough supervision and control system to ensure that military cooperation with Saudi Arabia does not contribute to human rights violations."

In response, the South Korean government emphasized that "cooperation with Saudi Arabia can play an important role in strengthening international security and contributing to regional stability." A government official stated, "We will strictly adhere to international human rights norms in the process of arms exports and military cooperation and operate a strict control system to prevent the use of force in conflict zones." The government also added that it will continue to hold talks with the Saudi Arabian government to improve human rights.

Some observers suggest that South Korea's decision could serve as an opportunity to present a new model of security cooperation in the international community. It suggests that cooperation between countries with technological capabilities and capital can be an effective way to jointly respond to security threats and promote regional stability.

The government plans to further strengthen its cooperative relationship with Saudi Arabia and actively support the next-generation fighter jet development project. In addition, it plans to seek understanding of this decision through transparent communication with the international community and develop cooperative relations with a responsible attitude.

The Ministry of National Defense is scheduled to announce additional details regarding this announcement. This is expected to include the scope of technical cooperation, financial support plans, and human rights protection measures.

A government official stated, "We will do our best to ensure that this cooperation contributes not only to the prosperity of South Korea and Saudi Arabia but also to the peace and security of the international community."