The US State Department has approved South Korea’s request for upgrades to the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF)’s Boeing F-15K Slam Eagle fleet, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 19 November.
The proposed deal, which is being pursued via the US Foreign Military Sale (FMS) programme, is worth an estimated cost of US$6.2 billion.
According to the DSCA, South Korea has requested enhancements including 96 Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCP II) mission system computers; 70 AN/APG-82(v)1 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars; 70 AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) electronic warfare (EW) suites; and 70 AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS).
The requested package also includes customised Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS), Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS), as well as modification and maintenance support, spare parts, and training support.
“This proposed sale will improve the Republic of Korea’s capability to meet current and future threats by increasing its critical air defense capability to deter aggression in the region and to ensure interoperability with forces,” said the DSCA, noting the main contractors include Boeing, BAE Systems, and RTX subsidiary Raytheon Technologies.
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) earlier announced on 22 March 2024 that the RoKAF’s F-15K fleet will undergo a US$2.9 billion Performance Improvement Project that will provide their crew with significantly improved all-weather and day/night situational awareness.
“[The project aims] to improve the performance of core components such as radar to improve the mission capability and survivability of the F-15K fighter aircraft operated by the [RoKAF],” DAPA said in a statement.
“By improving quick and accurate target identification and strike capabilities through performance improvements and creating stable operating conditions, it is expected that the F-15K will be reborn as a core force in airspace defence by more effectively demonstrating its long-range mission capabilities and weapon loading capabilities,” added DAPA. According to the agency, upgrade work will be performed from 2024 to 2034.
by Jr Ng
