South Korea moves forward with purchase of 20 new F-35A stealth fighters

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that during December it signed a letter of acceptance (LOA), with the U.S. government, to purchase 20 additional F-35A stealth fighters.

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According to news site Yonhap News, DAPA signed the LOA on Dec. 8, following Washington’s approval of the sale in September.

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) selected U.S. aerospace giant Lockheed Martin’s F-35A «Lightning II» as the winner of its next-generation fighter (FX) program, receiving 40 units between 2019 and 2022.

ROKAF currently has 39 «Lightning II» fighters, after deciding to decommission one of its aircraft that was severely damaged by a bird strike last year, and its repair was deemed uneconomical.

Cheaper and better conditions

As part of the second part of the FX project, South Korea has been negotiating the purchase of a new batch of F-35A fighters for a couple of years now. DAPA reports that thanks to the successful negotiations closed in April by a group of experts, the costs of the procurement project have been significantly reduced.

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In particular, it is expected that under the newly negotiated contract terms, the aircraft’s operating rate will improve and operating and maintenance costs will be reduced by ensuring nationwide depot maintenance capabilities, including full-face stealth painting capabilities.

The 20 F-35A stealth fighters, procured through Foreign Military Sales (FMS), will be delivered to South Korea beginning in 2027, and will have enhanced operational armament capabilities and safety features compared to the F-35As currently operated by the ROKAF.

F-35, essential in the » three-axis » deterrence strategy

The F-35A is a key asset for the South Korean Armed Forces due to its high-performance radar and stealth capabilities, allowing it to conduct long-range strategic strikes without being noticed by the enemy.

According to DAPA, the «three-axis» military defense system consists of the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation, an operational plan to incapacitate the North Korean leadership in a major conflict; the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform; and the Korea Air and Missile Defense (aircraft and missile defense umbrella capability).