South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) solidified plans to acquire 20 additional F-35A stealth fighter jets, a pivotal decision validated on December 27, 2023. The green light from the US government in September 2023 sanctioned the purchase of these cutting-edge aircraft, crafted by Lockheed Martin. The acquisition aligns seamlessly with South Korea’s ongoing pursuit of military might, a fundamental aspect of its national security strategy. Scheduled integration of these F-35As into the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) commences in 2027, supplementing the existing squadron of 39 F-35As and significantly reinforcing ROKAF’s aerial supremacy. DAPA proudly emphasizes that the freshly procured F-35As will surpass their predecessors in weapons operation and security features, serving as a testament to South Korea’s commitment to enhancing its defensive capabilities.
In adherence to South Korea’s three-axis defense strategy—comprising the Korea Massive Punishment & Retaliation (KMPR) system, the Kill Chain preemptive strike system, and the Korea Air and Missile Defence (KAMD) anti-missile shield—the infusion of these state-of-the-art fighters is expected to significantly influence the equilibrium of power on the Korean Peninsula, especially in response to North Korea’s persistent nuclear and missile threats. The initial batch of F-35As, delivered between 2019 and 2022, already bolstered South Korea’s defense capabilities significantly. The F-35A stands as a linchpin in shaping the Korean three-axis system, manifesting as a game-changer. The imminent second batch promises even further enhancements in performance, including refined threat response, top-tier encryption and security functionalities, and amplified armed operation capabilities.
South Korea started considering the F-35 in 2009, among several other competitors, for its F-X Phase III fighter program. Some Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) officers have outlined possible missions for the stealth fighter, such as surprise raids deep into nuclear armed North Korea. On 27 January 2014, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration said that a contract for the 40 aircraft would be reviewed and, once approved, signed in September. With full-scale production having begun, the Unit Recurring Flyaway (URF) cost of one F-35A is expected to be $80–$85 million, which includes the aircraft, avionics and mission systems, the engine, logistics support, and a flight simulator. Through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement and past budget issues, the cost projection may be likely to rise. South Korea’s formal selection of the F-35 purchase was finalized on 24 September 2014.
South Korea is the third FMS country to procure the F-35A after Israel and Japan. In December 2017, Korean media reported that the Defense Acquisition Program Administration had established a process for acquiring an additional 20 F-35 aircraft, in addition to the 40 it had already ordered in 2014. Korean news agency Yonhap also reported later in December 2017 that the Korean military was considering operating F-35B aircraft from Dokdo-class amphibious assault ships operated by the Korean Navy. The first F-35A was delivered in Fort Worth, Texas on 28 March 2018. The aircraft will remain in the US as South Korean crews will begin training with the aircraft at Luke Air Force Base. The arrival of the first F-35s in South Korea occurred in March 2019, when two F-35As were delivered to a base in Cheongju. In December 2019, 13 F-35A of 17th Fighter Wing has declared as operational within the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).
