F-15K modernization and more tanker aircraft for the South Korean Air Force

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) will receive funding to modernize its F-15K Eagle fleet and to add new in-flight refueling aircraft.

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South Korea’s Defense Projects Promotion Committee approved two major projects to boost ROKAF capabilities in the face of threats posed by North Korea’s growing bellicosity and the ever-increasing power of China’s Armed Forces.

F-15K

On the one hand, the modernization of the Korean F-15K fleet will be carried out between 2024 and 2034. According to information released by the Defense Acquisition Program office (DAPA), the modernization project has funding of about $2.73 billion.

The publication does not provide specific information on how the F-15K’s performance will be improved, but it is mentioned that it will seek to improve the aircraft’s acquisition and identification capabilities, as well as strengthen its survivability.

The F-15K modernization program will most likely take many elements from the USAF’s F-15E upgrade program and the F-15EX Eagle II, the most advanced production version of this legendary U.S. heavy fighter.

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Modernization is likely to focus on the adoption of the AESA AGP-82(V)1 radar, the Eagle Passive / Active Warning and Survivability System electronic warfare and self defense system, improvements in cockpit data displays and the integration of the ADCP-II, the world’s fastest mission computer.

Tanker aircraft

The Defense Projects Promotion Committee also resolved to establish a program for the purchase of an unspecified number of foreign in-flight refueling aircraft. The project has funding of about $950 million and is to be completed between 2024 and 2029.

Currently, the most likely candidates are Boeing’s KC-46A Pegasus and Airbus’ A330 MRTT. However, the ROKAF already operates four of Airbus’ aircraft under the KC-330 Cygnus designation, so it is likely that the European aerospace company will be awarded this future sale.