South Korea to upgrade F-15K fleet and buy new aerial tankers
South Korea will modernise its fleet of 59 F-15K strike fighters over a decade-long period. (Photo: author)
South Korea is investing big in an F-15 fleet overhaul and new tankers, despite being unable to counteract small UAVs from North Korea.
On 28 December, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) approved a programme to upgrade existing F-15K fighters, plus acquire additional air-to-air tankers.
The F-15K modernisation project is valued at KRW3.46 trillion ($2.72 billion), and will occur between 2024 and 2034. Its purpose was described by DAPA as being to ‘strengthen the mission capabilities and survivability’ of the force’s 59 F-15Ks.
It has been reported that Boeing would have charged nearly $4.5 billion to upgrade the F-15K fleet, suggesting that DAPA has forged a cheaper upgrade path.
The project will see the fitment of an AESA radar, EW suite and
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