Additional F-35s for Korea

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) plans to acquire 20 additional F-35As. Citing “multiple government sources”, a report has stated that the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration ( DAPA) has begun a preliminary study for the subsequent phase of the ROKAF’s next-generation fighter programme. South Korea has ordered 40 F-35As for $6.7b under the previous part of the programme, F-X Phase III. Deliveries are scheduled to begin later this year. South Korea originally planned to introduce 60 advanced fighters by 2021. Although various options will be assessed for the follow-on phase, the Lightning II is said to be the only aircraft that meets “the DAPA’s requirements for stealth capability, enabling attacks on critical North Korean facilities.” The ROKAF plans to induct the new fighters from 2023.