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
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
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
-
![April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans]()
April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans
Countries releasing their spending budgets over the past month have placed an emphasis on advancing next-generation crewed programmes as well as upgrades and expansion plans for air combat and aerial refuelling capabilities.
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
-
![NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)]()
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
-
![April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones]()
April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones
From France to Romania, there has been a clear shift away from expensive, vulnerable MALE UAVs in April towards lower-cost, expendable systems. Hard lessons from Ukraine and Iran have driven this shift.
