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F-35 LIGHTNING II Operator profile – South Korea
he Republic of Korea Air Force’s
(ROKAF’s) first F-35A made its
maiden flight at Lockheed Martin’s
Fort Worth production facility in Texas
on March 19, 2018 – followed by a second
aircraft that took to the air two days later.
The initial aircraft, serial 18-001 (AW-
01) is the first of 40 F-35A conventional
take-off and landing (CTOL) variants
scheduled for delivery to the ROKAF by- At a rollout ceremony for the aircraft
at Fort Worth on March 28, South Korean
defence minister Song Young-moo said in a
recorded message: “The deployment of the
F-35 will serve as momentum to enhance
the combined operations of the ROK-US Air
Forces, and advance the ROKAF’s support
capabilities for ground operations.”
The aircraft is the first of six F-35As
due to be delivered to South Korea this
year. The country plans to have 40 of the
type, to be built in Fort Worth, Texas.
The first will be delivered to Luke Air
Force Base, where ROKAF pilots andmaintainers will begin training. F-35s
will arrive in South Korea next year and
will initially be deployed at Cheongju.
The Republic of Korea is also understood
to be considering adding short take-
off and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35Bs
to its inventory for operations from
its 653ft (199m) amphibious assault
ship ROKS Dokdo (LPH 6111).
South Korea is also reported
to be considering the purchase
of 20 additional F-35As.The Republic of Korea is one of the latest operators to begin flying its F-35s.
Alongside a floundering domestic fighter project, the F-35 offers the ROKAF a
significant step up in capability.KOREA
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