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
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage]()
France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
-
![US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk]()
US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.
-
![US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft]()
US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft
The contract modification, awarded to Boeing, is worth $61.2 million and will support the US Navy’s (USN's) evolution of its P-8 Poseidon aircraft as continued upgrades are made to boost its capabilities and lethality.
-
![Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production]()
Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production
The UK Ministry of Defence remains resolute that the Typhoon sits at the heart of the country’s air defence capabilities and is focused on the aircraft’s potential export orders, despite its continued focus on F-35 procurement.
