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World Aviation Defense & Security News - South Korea
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South Korea considers procuring 20 more F-35A fighter jets
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South Korea is considering the option of procuring 20 additional 5th-generation F-35A fighters to enhance its air combat capabilities in the event of a conflict, military officials said Monday Sept. 12, 2016. The idea of purchasing additional stealth fighters was floated by the military amid escalating nuclear threats posed by North Korea.
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 F-35A Lightning IIs from the 33rd Fighter Wing taxi down the flightline at Volk Field, Wis., during Northern Lightning, Aug. 22, 2016(Credit: USAF/Senior Airman Stormy Archer) |
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"As North Korea appears to have enhanced its nuclear and missile capabilities in recent years, we are mending our existing wartime strike programs against the North," a military official said.
Pyongyang has conducted two nuclear tests this year alone after detonating three other devices since 2006. It has also test-fired a series of missiles, including a submarine-launched and intermediate range ballistic missiles. In 2013, the military decided to buy 40 F-35A fighters to deploy between 2018-2021 as part of its restarted fighter procurement project. Back then, it said 20 additional warplanes could be purchased later depending on the security environments on the Korean Peninsula. The F-35A is the fighter's air force variant. It is the smallest, lightest F-35 version and is the only variant equipped with an internal cannon, the GAU-22/A. |
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