South Korea has formally announced its selection of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft for its F-X fighter acquisition program.
South Korea has formally announced its selection of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft for its F-X fighter acquisition program.
The $6.79 billion deal for 40 jets was finalised following a comprehensive evaluation process.
South Korea is the third Foreign Military Sales country to procure the F-35, joining Israel and Japan who selected the F-35A in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
South Korea also confirmed an $817 million deal for 4 Northrop Grumman Global Hawk UAV to monitor its rival North Korea.
The F-35 beat Boeing F-15SE and Eurofighter Typhoon and will replace ROKAF's ageing Northrop F-5E Tiger fighter and F-4E fighter bomber fleet.
F-35A is a conventional take off and landing ( CTOL) variant of the three F-35 variants, with first delivery expected in 2018.
