A U.S. Air Force and a Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) F-35A Lighting II aircraft fly over Korea on July 12. The 356th Fighter Squadron from Eielson AFB, Alaska, arrived in South Korea to conduct combined training flights with the ROKAF's 151st and 152nd Fighter squadrons (U.S. Air Force Photo)
By Matthew Beinart |
@mbeinart22
1 year ago |
09/13/2023

The State Department has approved a potential $5.06 billion deal with South Korea for 25 F-35A fighter jets. 

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress on Wednesday of the new foreign military sale.

A U.S. Air Force and a Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) F-35A Lighting II aircraft fly over Korea on July 12. The 356th Fighter Squadron from Eielson AFB, Alaska, arrived in South Korea to conduct combined training flights with the ROKAF’s 151st and 152nd Fighter squadrons (U.S. Air Force Photo)

Along with the Lockheed Martin [LMT]-built F-35s, South Korea would also receive 26 Pratt & Whitney’s [RTX] F135 engines, classified software delivery and support, aircraft and munitions support equipment, cryptographic devices and simulators.

The new FMS case follows the South Korea government’s approval in March to pursue purchasing additional F-35As to grow its fleet, which currently includes 40 of the aircraft.

“The proposed sale will improve the Republic of Korea’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing credible defense capability to deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces. The proposed sale will augment Korea’s operational aircraft inventory and enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capability,” the DSCA said in a statement.