South Korean Air Force Bids Adieu to F-35A After Avian Encounter
South Korea’s Air Force will retire a damaged F-35A stealth jet, which suffered a bird strike in 2022, as repair costs surpass the aircraft’s acquisition cost. The F-35 remains crucial to South Korea’s defense strategy, and the retired jet may find a new role in mechanic training programs.
By Beth Snider · December 2, 2023
The South Korean Air Force has decided to retire an F-35A stealth jet due to severe damage from a bird strike in January 2022. The collision resulted in extensive damage to approximately 300 components of the aircraft, including its airframe, structure, engine, and control and navigation system. Lockheed Martin, the U.S. manufacturer of the aircraft, collaborated with the Air Force in conducting an in-depth analysis that led to the decision.
The repair costs for the damaged F-35A amounted to approximately 140 billion won (about $107.6 million), surpassing the jet’s acquisition cost of 110 billion won. Considering these financial implications and other security concerns, the Air Force’s review committee recommended retiring the damaged F-35A instead of undertaking the costly repair work.
The proposal is currently awaiting final approval from the Defense Ministry, the decision to retire this F-35A, one of 40 such aircraft in service with the South Korean Air Force, is a significant development given the high value and advanced capabilities of these stealth fighters. The Air Force is exploring alternative uses for the retired aircraft, such as incorporating it into training programs for aircraft mechanics. This approach would ensure the jet, despite its retirement from active service, continues to contribute to the Air Force’s operational readiness and technical proficiency.
The F-35A fighter jets of the South Korean Air Force faced operational hurdles, experiencing operational unavailability on 234 occasions over the 18 months concluding in June 2023, due to various malfunctions. Despite these challenges, the F-35 remains a crucial component of South Korea’s defense strategy, providing a strategic advantage with its stealth capabilities.
While South Korea advances in the development of its native stealth fighter aircraft, the KF-21, to join an exclusive league of nations with domestically produced supersonic fighter jets, deliberations persist on acquiring extra F-35A fighter jets. Simultaneously, uncertainties shroud the agreement for the F-35B variant intended for a planned aircraft carrier.