Against the background of nuclear and missile threats from North Korea, the authorities of the Republic of Korea decided to approve the acquisition of American fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighters. This is reported by the local publication Yonhap, citing the Defense Procurement Program Administration (DAPA).
What is known
The Republic of Korea Air Force operates 40 F-35As. The cost of the new contract will be $2.85 billion, but the exact number of fighters is not specified. Nevertheless, it can be assumed that Seoul will buy about 20 new aircraft.
The purchase of the F-35A will be carried out until 2028. The plan was approved by the Defense Projects Advancement Subcommittee in June 2022. After a green light from the government, it has yet to undergo a feasibility study.
In addition to Lockheed Martin’s fifth-generation fighters, the Republic of Korea wants to acquire several missiles. In particular, the purchase of Standard Missile 6 (Raytheon) for the promising destroyers KDX-III Batch-II Aegis in the amount of $589 million and tactical guided missiles of the ground-to-surface class for $1.18 billion was approved. In addition, Korea will spend $53 million to develop its own missiles. ship-based for destroyers KDDX.
Source: Yonhap
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