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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![With a wave of upgrades, the MQ-9B is ready for high-tech warfare]()
With a wave of upgrades, the MQ-9B is ready for high-tech warfare
The modern battlefield is evolving rapidly — threats range from stealthy cruise missiles to coordinated drone swarms. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is meeting these challenges head-on with a series of transformative upgrades to its MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and maritime SeaGuardian® remotely piloted aircraft.
-
![June drone digest: Landmark CCA contract and deep-strike capability flourishes at Eurosatory]()
June drone digest: Landmark CCA contract and deep-strike capability flourishes at Eurosatory
June 2026 saw the landmark acquisition of the first fighter-type Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), while the month also hosted Eurosatory, which showcased deep-strike capabilities and production deals with the civilian industry.
-
![BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly]()
BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly
The first render for the demonstrator was unveiled in July 2025, with BAE Systems now aiming for the start of final assembly by the end of 2026 to prepare the aircraft for first flight by 2027.
