Breaking News
South Korea Approves Ambitious Plan to Modernize F-15K Fighter Jets.
In an effort to strengthen the operational capabilities of its air force, South Korea has approved an increase in funding for the modernization of its fleet of F-15K fighter jets, which have been in service since 2005. The South Korean government, through the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), has allocated over 1 trillion won (approximately $696 million) to this project, surpassing the initial estimates.
F-16 and F-15K during a joint exercise between the United States and South Korea. (Picture source: US DoD)
The decision was finalized during a meeting of the Defense Project Promotion Committee, which approved a series of defense-related projects, including a 4.56 trillion-won plan to enhance the mission capabilities and survivability of the F-15K. This modernization initiative will continue until 2037, with a particular focus on improving the aircraft's avionics systems and electronic warfare capabilities.
As part of this upgrade, DAPA plans to replace the F-15K's outdated radar system with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which will provide enhanced detection and tracking capabilities. The project will also involve expanding the memory of the mission computers, ensuring greater processing power for future operations. Furthermore, the electronic warfare system will be completely overhauled to become fully automated, allowing for more effective and adaptive countermeasures in complex combat environments.
The F-15K Slam Eagle is an advanced version of the F-15E Strike Eagle, developed specifically for the Republic of Korea. Designed for multirole missions, it excels in long-range precision strikes, both day and night, and in all weather conditions. The aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art mission systems, enabling it to perform air-to-ground, air-to-air, and air-to-sea missions with great efficiency.
Among its notable features, the F-15K is equipped with the AN/APG-63(V)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, offering improved target detection and tracking. It also integrates a custom-designed electronic warfare (EW) system, designed to reduce weight and increase jamming effectiveness. The cockpit is optimized for compatibility with night vision devices, and the aircraft is equipped with the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), enhancing target acquisition and firing accuracy. In terms of armament, the F-15K can carry missiles such as the AGM-84K SLAM-ER, AGM-84H Harpoon Block II, and the KEPD 350, further enhancing its versatility in mission execution.
The planned modernization aims to bolster these capabilities by replacing the existing radar with the AESA AN/APG-82(V)1, which provides even more precise target detection and tracking. The electronic warfare system will be improved with the integration of the EPAWSS (Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System), designed to provide enhanced protection against electromagnetic threats. Additionally, mission computers will be replaced with next-generation processors, allowing for faster data processing and improved real-time data management. These upgrades will ensure the F-15K maintains its technological and operational superiority in the face of emerging threats, guaranteeing its competitiveness through 2060 and beyond.
The increase in funding, compared to the initially planned 3.46 trillion won approved in December 2022, has been attributed to the global rise in material costs and maintenance fees. This surge in costs has also been exacerbated by ongoing restructuring in global supply chains.
In addition to the F-15K modernization, the committee approved several other defense projects, including a 661.5 billion-won plan to develop domestically produced short-range air-to-air missiles for the KF-21 fighter, and an 807.6 billion-won initiative to modernize six 1,800-ton submarines, further strengthening South Korea's defense capabilities.
This strategic decision underscores South Korea's continued commitment to maintaining a modern and technologically advanced military force to address the ever-evolving security challenges in the region.