South Korea Inks Deal for 20 More F-35s

Deliveries of the Lockheed Martin Lightning II fighter jets are to begin in 2027.

Kimberly Johnson

Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 03:49 PM ET

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F-35A Elephant walk in March 2022. [Courtesy: Republic of Korea Ministry of Defense]

Key Takeaways:

South Korea has confirmed the purchase of an additional 20 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jets.
This acquisition aims to counter "power imbalances" and nuclear/missile threats from North Korea, following a prior U.S. State Department approval for a potential sale.
The new fighters, featuring enhanced capabilities, will begin delivery in 2027 and add to the Republic of Korea Air Force's current fleet of 39 F-35s.

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South Korea will purchase an additional 20 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighters, the country’s military procurement agency has confirmed.

The purchase comes three months after the U.S. State Department approved a possible sale to the Republic of Korea for up to 25 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter conventional takeoff and landing aircraft, engines, and support that was estimated to cost more than $5 billion.