South Korea mulls fighter options, including extra F-35s
South Korea has already received all 40 F-35A fighters that it had ordered from the US eight years ago. (Gordon Arthur)
The ROKAF is considering how to bolster and modernise its fighter fleet, especially as it contemplates early retirement of its older F-4 and F-5 fighter types.
Even as Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) prepares for the maiden flight of its KF-21 Boramae fighter, South Korea has endorsed the acquisition of 20 additional F-35A fighters.
The approval of extra F-35As, on top of 40 already in service, came on 9 June from a subcommittee of the Defense Project Promotion Committee. This anticipated procurement constitutes the country’s F-X-II fighter programme.
A full committee session on 15 July confirmed the subcommittee’s decision. This will be followed up with an expedited feasibility study and other processes. The future deal will cost about KRW3.9 trillion ($3 billion), and South Korea hopes that new
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production]()
December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production
One of the key trends seen in December has been the rise in indigenous investment within the UAV market, particularly across certain countries, with Germany, Australia and the US focusing on their commitments to sovereign development.
-
![What might next-generation military aircrew training look like?]()
What might next-generation military aircrew training look like?
Changing roles for combat aircraft fleets, the rise of simulation and LVC technologies, and the increasing cost of flight hours could all be leading to a paradigm shift in military pilot training.
-
![2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate]()
2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate
This year’s (geo)political turmoil has challenged many long-prevailing assumptions, leading to far-reaching consequences for air forces and their supplier bases in industry worldwide – with five key trends in review for 2025.
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
