Korea General RoK Air Force News & Developments

[urban mine]

공군총장 “F-5, 50여대 내년 모두 퇴역”…KAI 사장 “KF-21, 200여 대 수출 상담 중”

13일 경남 사천 한국항공우주산업(KAI)에서 직원들이 공군 초도 인도 전력인 국산 초음속 전투기 KF-21 양산기들을 조립하고 있다. 사천=사진공동취재단 13일 오후 찾은 경남 사천 한국항공우주산업(KAI) 최종

n.news.naver.com

ROKAF has announced its plan to accelerate the retirement of the remaining KF-5 fleet, moving the deadline up from 2030 to 2027. (From what I’ve heard, there are currently about 40 KF-5s in service with the ROKAF. The F-5s that were directly procured from the United States have already been retired. )
This is truly reassuring news. It seems the decision was made to accelerate the retirement of the current fleet because 20 KF-21s will be delivered to the Air Force next year and another 20 in 2028.

 

[urban mine]

https://m.newspim.com/news/view/20260519001150

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is embarking on a major fleet and unit reorganization centered on deploying its new home-grown 4.5-generation fighter, the KF-21 "Boramae." This initiative marks a significant generational shift from older aircraft to cutting-edge aerial assets.

Key details of the restructuring plan include:

• Revival of the 156th Fighter Squadron (Yecheon): In September 2026, the 156th Fighter Squadron at the 16th Fighter Wing in Yecheon will be reactivated to become the first unit to operate the KF-21, starting with six two-seater variants. Yecheon will transform into a "conversion and training hub," eventually hosting around 20 KF-21 Block 1 fighters alongside TA-50 tactical lead-in trainers.
• Symbolism of the "150s" Units: In ROKAF tradition, squadron numbers in the 150s have historically symbolized elite, top-tier units (previously flying F-4 Phantoms or currently operating F-35A stealth fighters). Reviving the 156th Squadron—disbanded 14 years ago—signifies inheriting this legacy for the KF-21 era.
• Accelerated Retirement of the KF-5 (Suwon): To accommodate the relocation of FA-50 light fighters from Yecheon to Suwon, the Air Force will fast-track the retirement of its aging KF-5 "Gegong-ho" fighters by about three years. Two KF-5 squadrons based in Suwon are scheduled to step-by-step retire between late 2026 and late 2027 due to structural fatigue and safety limits.
• Expansion to the East Coast and Inland (Kangneung & Wonju): Following Yecheon, the 18th Fighter Wing in Kangneung—located closest to North Korea—is expected to deploy KF-21 Block 1 fighters by early 2027 for front-line air defense over the East Coast and DMZ. Subsequently, the upgraded KF-21 Block 2 variants are planned to be deployed at the 8th Fighter Wing in Wonju.

Ultimately, this restructuring will establish a multi-layered, three-tier fighter lineup consisting of the F-35A, KF-21, and FA-50, bridging the history of South Korea's 3rd-generation air power into the 4.5 and 5th-generation eras.

 

[urban mine]

The Air Force successfully wrapped up its E-737 aerial refueling training on Friday, July 10. The training, which kicked off on Monday, April 20, enabled four E-737 pilots to earn their aerial refueling certifications. The training was designed to boost the Air Force's operational capabilities by extending the E-737's flight time during contingencies. By receiving mid-air refueling, the E-737 can nearly double its mission duration, enabling it to carry out long-range operations, surveillance, reconnaissance, and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) missions much more efficiently.

 

[urban mine]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/2076713443801866630

I wonder when the F-15K will undergo the MLU.

 

[urban mine]

Bombardier Defense to provide the Global 6500 aircraft for a second special mission program in South Korea

Bombardier Defense to provide the Global 6500 aircraft for a second special mission program in South Korea

bombardier.com

Bombardier Defense to provide the Global 6500 aircraft for a second special mission program in South Korea​

Bombardier Defense is proud to announce that its Global 6500 aircraft will support South Korea’s Electronic Warfare (EW) program. The Global 6500 aircraft was already selected to be the platform for the country’s Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) program.

Korean Air recently formalized the purchase of two Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft for the Electronic Warfare program, and celebrated its collaboration with Bombardier Defense with a signing ceremony in Seoul.

“The Global 6500 aircraft is in demand around the world because of its performance and versatility, and we’re extremely proud that it was chosen for two very advanced, yet different defense missions in South Korea,” said Michael Anckner, Vice-President, Worldwide Sales, Bombardier Defense. “This aircraft is trusted because of its proven military track record, yet it remains highly adaptable as defense needs evolve."

Korean Air’s formal purchase of Bombardier Defense aircraft comes after L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) announced in October 2025 that the company received a contract to deliver modified Global 6500 AEW&C aircraft to the Republic of Korea Air Force.

The two additional Global 6500 aircraft will perform an EW role, more specifically a Stand Off Jammer (SOJ) mission, which allows for the disruption of enemy electromagnetic signals from a safe distance.

That's good news.