According to recent reports from foreign media, senior officials of the UK government have revealed that they are currently in talks with the South Korean government to explore the feasibility of jointly developing a new engine for the KF-21 fighter jet. The new engine will be used to replace the General Electric F414 engine in the United States, with the aim of clearing obstacles for the export of this fighter jet. According to reports, the F414 engine is the power source for the KF-21 fighter jet, and the United States has imposed export restrictions on this type of engine, hindering South Korea from selling the KF-21 fighter jet to overseas customers. The South Korean government has launched a research and development project for domestically produced fighter jet engines. Hanwha Aerospace, the leader of this project, stated that it will complete the research and development of domestically produced fighter jet engines by 2036, with an estimated development cost of around 3.7 billion US dollars. Hanhua Aerospace believes that its accumulated experience in engine authorization production and small propulsion system development has laid the foundation for this research and development. It is reported that the company plans to increase the number of engineers to 600, doubling the current number, and build a $30 million factory in South Korea, while establishing overseas research and development centers in the United States and Europe. The company stated that the thrust and fuel efficiency of its developed engine will exceed that of the F414 engine, and after large-scale production, it will target the markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. However, foreign military experts are skeptical about Hanwha Aerospace's ability to independently develop engines that meet modern high thrust requirements within the target timeframe. In this situation, the British government intervened and proposed Rolls Royce as a joint development partner, stating that this plan could serve as a transition for South Korea before it has full independent research and development capabilities. British officials believe that such cooperation will reduce project risks, accelerate development processes, and establish lasting industrial partnerships. It is reported that Rolls Royce is also seeking a similar agreement with India regarding the development of AMCA fighter jet engines. Engines developed according to this model will not be subject to export restrictions from the United States. In recent years, South Korea has accelerated its process of national defense self-reliance, and its plan to develop domestically produced fighter jet engines is a microcosm of its intention to break free from dependence on American technology. From domestic shipbuilding to missile development, South Korea is gradually restructuring its defense industry system through a dual track model of "technology cooperation+independent research and development". However, South Korea's defense industry has long been embedded in the American style equipment system, making it difficult to completely sever its technological cooperation with the United States in the short term. Meanwhile, in the geopolitical game, the United States may intervene in South Korean British cooperation through export controls, alliance pressure, and other means. Under the framework of the US South Korea alliance, South Korea still faces challenges in achieving a balance between technological independence and security cooperation. (New Society)