S. Korea to Upgrade F-15K Fighter Jet's Long Range Mission Capabilities

South Korea's Air Force is launching the "F-15K performance improvement project" to enhance radar systems and augment the long-range mission capabilities of its F-15K fighter jets.

The Defense Security Committee recently approved a procurement plan to advance the project through foreign procurement, specifically the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said in a release Friday.

The upgrades are anticipated to enable the F-15K to identify and strike targets, ensuring stable operational conditions crucial for extended missions.

The project, scheduled from 2024 to 2034, commands a total budget of approximately 3.89 trillion won ($2.89 billion).

Boeing unveiled plans in December 2023 to comprehensively upgrade South Korea's F-15K fleet. The enhancement initiative targets three primary areas: the installation of the advanced AN/APG-82 radar, bolstering cockpit display functionalities, and integrating the 'Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System' (EPAWS) electronic warfare suite.

The decision to heavily invest in the F-15 fleet aligns with South Korea's strategic objectives, particularly given the relatively young age of the jets, averaging just over 14 years. Originally procured under the F-X program in the mid-1990s, the first batch of 61 F-15Ks entered service in late 2005 and continues to play a crucial role in the Republic of Korea Air Force's combat capabilities.

The F-15K variant is well-suited for long-range strike missions, including against hardened North Korean targets.