South Korea fortifies defence against nuclear threat and fighter shortfall with more F-35s
South Korea's new F-35s would include the Block 4 upgrade. (Photo: US DoD)
South Korea has formalised its plans to expand its fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
South Korea has signed a letter of acceptance (LOA) to acquire an additional 20 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said on 1 January that the LOA was signed in December.
As Shephard reported in September last year, the Republic of Korea was seeking 25 Lockheed Martin fighters under a potential US$5.06 billion Foreign Military Sale. However, recent developments indicated a shift back to the country's initial plan of acquiring only 20 additional aircraft.
The Defense Security and Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said at the time that the F-35s would include the Block 4
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![Anduril and GA-ASI propel forward in US Air Force CCA programme’s next phase]()
Anduril and GA-ASI propel forward in US Air Force CCA programme’s next phase
Anduril and GA-ASI have raced ahead in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) initiative, securing contracts with the US Air Force to build production representative flight test platforms.
-
![Another Saab GlobalEye lands in the UAE]()
Another Saab GlobalEye lands in the UAE
The arrival of the latest GlobalEye marked the fourth AEW&C aircraft delivery to the UAE in just four years.
-
![Greece and Israel cosy up over Rafael’s Spyder air defence system]()
Greece and Israel cosy up over Rafael’s Spyder air defence system
Ongoing discussions between Greece and Israeli arms manufacturer Rafael to acquire Spyder air defence systems underscored the resilience of international business ties despite geopolitical tensions.
