Deliveries of the Lockheed Martin Lightning II fighter jets are to begin in 2027. The post South Korea Inks Deal for 20 More F-35s appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

South Korea will purchase an additional 20 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighters, the country�s military procurement agency has confirmed.

The purchase comes three months after the U.S. State Department approved a possible sale to the Republic of Korea for up to 25 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter conventional takeoff and landing aircraft, engines, and support that was estimated to cost more than $5 billion.�

On Wednesday, South Korea�s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) confirmed that it signed a letter of acceptance in early December for the purchase of the fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The purchase is in response to �power imbalances� presented by North Korea nuclear and missile threats, according to Stars and Stripes.

�Although North Korea has more fighter jets, their operation rate is known to be extremely low due to poor maintenance from a lack of parts,� Shin Jong-woo, a senior analyst at the Korea Defense & Security Forum, told Yonhap.

The Republic of Korea Air Force currently operates 39 F-35s out of Cheongju Air Base. The latest round of purchased fighters will have enhanced arms operational capabilities and security features, DAPA said.�

Deliveries will begin in 2027.

The order bolsters a growing tally of the fighter jets operating in the region. By 2035, more than 300 F-35s will be stationed across the Indo-Pacific, according to Lockheed Martin.

�The F-35 is boosting allied deterrence, continuing to strengthen national security and international alliances across militaries, governments, and industry in the region,� said Bridget Lauderdale, vice president and general manager of the F-35 Program with Lockheed Martin.�

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