U.S. and South Korean Leaders Commemorate the Launch of Korea’s Inaugural F-35A Fighter Jet
Celebrities Celebrate the Rollout of the ROKAF F-35A Lightning II
The leaders of the Republic of Korea and the United States proudly celebrated the public unveiling of the first Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) F-35A Lightning II at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth production facility. This significant event marks a pivotal milestone in the F-35 program, enhancing national defense and fostering global partnerships.
“Today signifies a momentous occasion as we celebrate ROKAF’s inaugural F-35A, the world’s most advanced combat aircraft, which will secure the Republic of Korea’s airspace,” stated the Republic of Korea’s Minister of Defense, Song Young-moo, via a pre-recorded message. “The introduction of the F-35 will propel the synergy between the ROK-U.S. Air Forces and bolster ROKAF’s ground operation support capabilities.”
The ceremony attracted over 450 attendees, including esteemed members from the Republic of Korea National Assembly Defense Committee, National Defense Vice Minister Suh, Choo-suk, and Lt. Gen. Lee, Seong-yong, vice chief of staff of ROKAF.
Vice Adm. Mat Winter, F-35 Program Executive Officer, remarked, “This is a significant advancement for our F-35 Initiative and our ROKAF partners as we deliver Korea’s first F-35, which is the first of six aircraft set for delivery this year. The F-35A provides transformative capabilities, allowing South Korean Forces to jointly operate with U.S. Forces in defending their homeland. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the collaborative government and industry team for reaching this milestone.”
U.S. dignitaries present included Ellen Lord, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Heidi Grant, Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force for International Affairs, and U.S. Senators and Representatives.
“We take pride in supporting the Republic of Korea with the unmatched capabilities of the 5th Generation F-35,” said Marillyn Hewson, Lockheed Martin’s chairman, president, and CEO. “This aircraft stands as a symbol of strength, exemplifying how our partnership ensures safer nations, more secure citizens, and a brighter future for all.”
The Republic of Korea’s F-35 program of record includes the acquisition of 40 F-35A aircraft through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales program, all being manufactured at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The first aircraft will be dispatched to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona for pilot and maintainer training, with F-35s expected to arrive in the Republic of Korea by 2019, stationed at the primary operational base in Cheongju.
The F-35 stands as the most sophisticated, survivable, and connected fighter aircraft currently available. Its ability to collect, analyze, and disseminate data significantly enhances all airborne, surface, and ground assets within the battlespace, empowering military personnel to complete their missions successfully and return home safely. Lockheed Martin has already delivered more than 280 F-35s, trained over 580 pilots, and instructed 5,600 maintainers, with the F-35 fleet achieving over 130,000 cumulative flight hours to date.
