The US State Department has approved the sale of 25 F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets with 26 F135 engines to the Republic of Korea at a cost of $5.06 billion

The US Congress will receive a deal for the potential sale of F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets to the Republic of Korea. The sale has been approved by the US State Department.

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The Republic of Korea Air Force already has several dozen F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighters in service. They often take part in joint military exercises with US aircraft.

On 13 September 2023, the State Department approved the potential sale of 25 F-35A conventional takeoff and landing fighters. If the deal is approved by the US Congress, the Republic of Korea will also receive 26 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines (one spare). In addition, the aircraft will support upgrades to the Block 4 level.

The potential deal is valued at $5.06bn. The proposed sale would support US foreign policy and national security objectives. Deliveries of the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters will not affect US defence capabilities.

Source: DSCA