The United States government has recently authorized the potential sale of a modernization package for the South Korean Air Force’s F-15K fighter jets (ROKAF), amounting to $6.2 billion. The objective is to upgrade the Slam Eagles and provide related logistical support elements. This was reported by the Department of State to the U.S. Congress on November 19.
Delving into the details of the possible operation, South Korea has requested the purchase of equipment and services to modernize its fleet of F-15K aircraft. In general terms, some of the items requested include: ninety-six (96) Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCP II) mission system computers; seventy (70) AN/APG-82(v)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars; seventy (70) AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) electronic warfare suites; and seventy (70) AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS).
Regarding the potential purchase, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) statement said: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a key ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region (…) This proposed sale will enhance the Republic of Korea’s ability to address current and future threats by increasing its critical air defense capabilities to deter aggression in the region and to ensure interoperability with U.S. forces.”
The main contractor involved in the sale will be Boeing Company, Raytheon Technologies, and BAE Systems. On the other hand, as usual, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) clarified that no offset agreements will be required for the operation, nor will representatives of the U.S. government or the mentioned company be sent to South Korean territory.
Modernization of the F-15K of the South Korean Air Force
The plans to modernize the F-15K fighters emerged at the end of 2023 when various local media revealed that the South Korean government and Boeing were close to finalizing the details of the program that had been approved in 2002. At that time, the program already contemplated incorporating equipment present in the F-15EX Eagle II, the most advanced version of the fighter being introduced by the USAF to strengthen combat capabilities and extend the flight hours of the airframes.
For this purpose, modernization work was considered in three main areas: first, the replacement of the old AN/APG-63(V)1 mechanically scanned radar with a more modern and powerful AESA radar. More precisely, the AN/APG-82 radar from Raytheon, which equips the new F-15EX Eagle II. Secondly, a new self-defense system called AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) will be installed. Thirdly, the F-15K cockpit will be modernized by placing an improved color screen, or Large Area Display (LAD), which will provide the crew with enhanced situational awareness for use both day and night.
Months later, specifically in March of the current year, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced progress in the planning of the modernization of the fighter-bombers with an investment of $2.9 billion. “It is expected to demonstrate its capabilities more effectively and become a central force in the defense of airspace,” said the DAPA committee. Finally, based on what was announced by DAPA, the program will last 10 years starting in 2024. Currently, the South Korean Air Force has a fleet of 59 F-15K aircraft, and their maintenance has been handled by Boeing since 2017.
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