{{Use American English|date=May 2024}} {{Short description|Air warfare branch of South Korea's military}}{{More citations needed|date=January 2025}}{{Infobox military unit | unit_name = Republic of Korea Air Force | native_name = {{lang|ko|대한민국 공군}} | image = Emblem of the Republic of Korea Air Force.svg | image_size = 200px | caption = Republic of Korea Air Force emblem | start_date = 1 October 1949<br />({{Age in years and months|1949|10|1}}) | country = {{flag|South Korea}} | allegiance = | branch = | type = Air force<br>Space force | role = Aerial warfare<br>Space warfare | size = {{ubl|65,000 {{small|(2022)}}<ref name=2022DWP>{{cite web|title=2022 Defence White Paper|date=December 2022|url=https://www.mnd.go.kr/user/mnd/upload/pblictn/PBLICTNEBOOK_202302161200208490.pdf|access-date=2023-02-16|archive-date=2023-02-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216075613/https://www.mnd.go.kr/user/mnd/upload/pblictn/PBLICTNEBOOK_202302161200208490.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>|720 aircraft}} | command_structure = {{Armed forces|South Korea}} | garrison = Gyeryong, South Korea | garrison_label = Headquarters | nickname = | patron = | motto = {{ubl|{{lang|ko|대한민국을 지키는 가장 높은 힘}}|"The Highest Power Defending the Republic of Korea"<ref>{{cite web |title=Slogan of Air Force |url=https://rokaf.airforce.mil.kr/airforce/452/subview.do |publisher=Republic of Korea Air Force |access-date=2021-04-10 |archive-date=2023-02-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218120208/https://rokaf.airforce.mil.kr/airforce/452/subview.do |url-status=dead }}</ref>}} | colours = | colours_label = | march = {{ubl|{{lang|ko|공군가}}|"Air Force Anthem"<ref>{{cite AV media |date=29 August 2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjVTPeff_T8 |title=군가전 #1. 공군가 |publisher=대한민국공군 |via=YouTube |access-date=28 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218120210/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjVTPeff_T8 |archive-date=18 February 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxuMfgkm1Jg|title=[KY 금영노래방] 군가 - 공군가 (KY Karaoke No.KY4574)|work=KY Karaoke (금영노래방 공식 유튜브 채널)|date=12 December 2014|via=YouTube|access-date=2 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217071738/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxuMfgkm1Jg&gl=US&hl=en|archive-date=17 February 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>}} | mascot = "Haneuli" and "Purumae" | anniversaries = | equipment = KF-21(In development) | equipment_label = | battles = {{blist|Korean War|Persian Gulf War|Global War on Terrorism}} | decorations = | battle_honours = | battle_honours_label = | flying_hours = | website = {{URL|https://www.airforce.mil.kr/|airforce.mil.kr}} <!-- Commanders -->| commander1 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the President of South Korea.svg|size=25px}} Lee Jae-Myung | commander1_label = President | commander2 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Korea.svg|size=25px}} Ahn Gyu-back | commander2_label = Minister of National Defense | commander3 = {{Flagicon image|Flag Chief of Staff of the Republic of Korea Air Force.png|size=25px}} General Son Sug Rag | commander3_label = Chief of Staff of Air Force | commander4 = {{Flagicon image|Flag Chief of Staff of the Republic of Korea Air Force.png|size=25px}} Lieutenant General | commander4_label = Vice Chief of Staff of Air Force | notable_commanders = <!-- Insignia --> | identification_symbol = 150px|border | identification_symbol_label = Flag | identification_symbol_2 = 150px | identification_symbol_2_label = Logo | identification_symbol_3 = 125px | identification_symbol_3_label = Roundel | identification_symbol_4 = 125px | identification_symbol_4_label = Low Visibility Roundel <!-- Aircraft -->| aircraft_attack = | aircraft_bomber = | aircraft_electronic = E-7A | aircraft_fighter = KF-5E/F, F-16C, F-15K, FA-50, F-35A | aircraft_helicopter = Bell 412, CH-47D, HH-60P, S-92, Ka-32, MD 500 Defender, Eurocopter AS332 | aircraft_helicopter_attack = MD 500 Defender | aircraft_helicopter_cargo = | aircraft_helicopter_multirole = | aircraft_helicopter_observation = | aircraft_helicopter_trainer = | aircraft_helicopter_utility = | aircraft_interceptor = | aircraft_patrol = RQ-4 Global Hawk | aircraft_recon = RC-800, Dassault Falcon 2000 | aircraft_trainer = KAI KT-1, TA-50/50B, KT-100 | aircraft_transport = Boeing 747, Boeing 737, CASA CN-235, C-130H, C-130J | aircraft_tanker = A330 MRTT | aircraft_general = |module = {{Infobox Korean name/auto|child=yes |hangul = ^대한민국 공군 |hanja = 大韓民國空軍 }} }}
The '''Republic of Korea Air Force''' ('''ROKAF'''; {{Korean|hangul=대한민국 공군}}), also known as the '''ROK Air Force''' or '''South Korean Air Force''', is the aerial and space warfare service branch of South Korea, operating under the South Korean Ministry of National Defense.
==History== ===1940s=== Shortly after the end of World War II, the South Korean Air Construction Association was founded on 10 August 1946, to publicize the importance of air power. Despite the then-scanty status of Korean armed forces, the first air unit was formed on 5 May 1948, under the direction of Dong Wi-bu, the forerunner to the modern South Korean Ministry of National Defense. On 13 September 1949, the United States contributed 10 L-4 Grasshopper observation aircraft to the South Korean air unit. An Army Air Academy was founded in January 1949, and the ROKAF was officially founded in October 1949.
===1950s=== The 1950s were a critical time for the ROKAF as it expanded tremendously during the Korean War. At the outbreak of the war, the ROKAF consisted of 1,800 personnel but was equipped with only 20 trainers and liaison aircraft, including 10 North American T-6 Texan advanced trainers purchased from Canada. The North Korean Air Force had acquired a considerable number of Yak-9 and La-7 fighters from the Soviet Union, dwarfing the ROKAF in terms of size and strength. During the war, though, the ROKAF acquired 110 aircraft - 79 fighter-bombers, three fighter squadrons, and one fighter wing. The first combat aircraft received was North American F-51D Mustangs, along with a contingent of US Air Force instructor pilots under the command of Major Dean Hess, as part of Bout One Project. The ROKAF participated in bombing operations and flew independent sorties. After the war, the ROKAF Headquarters were moved to Daebangdong, Seoul. Air Force University was also founded in 1956. In 1953, ROKAF Technical School developed a liaison aircraft named Buhwal-ho, which is the first domestic-developed powered aircraft of Korea. [[File:ROKAF F-51D.JPEG|thumb|left|P-51 Mustangs were among the first fighter aircraft for the ROKAF]]
===1960s=== To counter the threat of possible North Korean aggression, the ROKAF underwent a substantial capability enhancement. The ROKAF acquired North American T-28 Trojan trainers, North American F-86D Sabre night- and all-weather interceptors, Northrop F-5 fighters and McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom fighter bombers. Air Force Operations Command was established in 1961 to secure efficient command and control facilities. Air Force Logistics Command was established in 1966, and emergency runways were constructed for emergency use during wartime. The Eunma Unit was founded in 1966 to operate Curtiss C-46 Commando transport aircraft used to support Republic of Korea Army and Republic of Korea Marine Corps units serving in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Larsen|first1=Stanley|last2=Collins|first2=Lawton|title=Allied Participation in Vietnam|publisher=Department of the Army|year=1985|url=https://history.army.mil/html/books/090/90-5-1/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908123956/http://www.history.army.mil/html/books/090/90-5-1/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 8, 2015|isbn=9781410225016|page=131}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>
===1970s=== The ROKAF was posed with a security risk, with an increasingly belligerent North Korea throughout the 1970s. The South Korean government increased its expenditure on the ROKAF, resulting in the purchase of Northrop F-5E Tiger II fighters in August 1974 and F-4E fighter-bombers. Support aircraft, such as Fairchild C-123 Providers and Grumman S-2 Trackers were also purchased at the time. Great emphasis was placed on the flight training program; new trainer aircraft (Cessna T-41 Mescalero and Cessna T-37) were purchased, and the Air Force Education & Training Command was also founded in 1973 to consolidate and enhance the quality of personnel training.
===1980s=== The ROKAF concentrated on the qualitative expansion of aircraft to catch up to the strength of the North Korean Air Force. In 1982, Korean variants of the F-5E, the Jegong-ho were first produced. The ROKAF gathered a good deal of information on the North Korean Air Force when Captain Lee Woong-Pyeong, a North Korean pilot, defected to South Korea. The Korean Combat Operations Information Center was soon formed and the Air Defence System was automated to attain air superiority against North Korea. When the 1988 Seoul Olympics was held in South Korea, the ROKAF contributed to the success of this event by helping to oversee the entire security system. The ROKAF also moved its headquarters and the Air Force Education & Training Command to other locations. 40 General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters were also purchased in 1989.
===1990s=== South Korea committed its support for coalition forces during the Persian Gulf War, forming the "Bima Unit" to fight in the war. The ROKAF also provided airlift support for peacekeeping operations in Somalia in 1993. The increased participation in international operations depicted the ROKAF's elevated international position. Over 180 KF-16 fighters of F-16 Block 52 specifications were introduced as part of the Peace Bridge II & III program in 1994. In 1997, for the first time in Korean aviation history, female cadets were accepted into the Korean Air Force Academy.
===2000s=== The last of the old South Korean 60 F-5A/B fighters were all retired in August 2007, and they were replaced with the F-15K and F/A-50. On 20 October 2009, Bruce S. Lemkin, deputy undersecretary of the U.S. Air Force, said that the ROKAF's limited intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities increased the risk of instability on the Korean Peninsula and suggested the purchase of American systems such as the F-35 Lightning II to close this gap.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/10/113_53935.html|title=Korea Urged to Secure Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems|date=20 October 2009|access-date=20 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091023111351/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/10/113_53935.html|archive-date=23 October 2009|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
===2010s=== The South Korean Air Force also expressed interest in acquiring the RQ-4 Global Hawk remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) and several Joint Direct Attack Munition conversion kits to further improve its intelligence and offensive capabilities. In 2014, Northrop Grumman awarded a contract to provide South Korea with four RQ-4 Global.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/seoul-finalises-657-million-global-hawk-purchase-407211/ |first=Craig|last=Hoyle|title=Seoul finalises $657 million Global Hawk purchase |publisher=flightglobal.com |date= 2014-12-17|access-date=5 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016055843/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/seoul-finalises-657-million-global-hawk-purchase-407211/ |archive-date=16 October 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The South Korean Air Force acquired 40 F-35s and +20 additional F-35.
===2020s=== In 2021, the Space Operations Center was established at the Air Force Headquarters.<ref>{{cite web |last1= |first1= |title=South Korean Air Force Inaugurates Space Operations Center |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/space/south-korean-air-force-inaugurates-space-operations-center |website=aviationweek.com |publisher=Aviation Week |access-date=2 December 2021}}</ref>
On 22 October 2023, the ROKAF conducted its first-ever trilateral exercise with the United States and Japanese air forces near the Korean Peninsula.
On 7 June 2024, F-4E Phantom II, which were deployed at the 10th Fighter Wing based in Suwon, were retired.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phantom retires after protecting Korea's sky for 55 years |url=https://www.donga.com/en/article/all/20240608/4991611/1 |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=동아일보 |language=en}}</ref>
On 6 March 2025, a KF-16 accidentally released eight bombs over Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, injuring 15 people and damaging buildings and vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Hyung-Jin |date=2025-03-06 |title=South Korean fighter jet accidentally drops bombs, injuring 8 people |url=https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-fighter-jet-accidental-bombing-4e2b2cc86b8510eed1849b9b24890880 |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=AP News}}</ref><ref name=telegraph-20250306>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/06/south-korean-fighter-jet-mistakenly-drops-eight-bombs/ |title=South Korean fighter jet mistakenly bombs town near Seoul |last=Ryall |first=Julian |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url-access=subscription |date=6 March 2025 |access-date=6 March 2025}}</ref>
{{tree list}} ==Organization== === Republic of Korea Air Force Headquarters === * '''Republic of Korea Air Force Headquarters''' ** 7th Air Force Communication Service Group, based at Pyeongtaek ** 35th Flight Group, based at Seongnam ** Air Force Test & Evaluation Wing, based at Sacheon (KF-21)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.kbs.co.kr/news/pc/view/view.do?ncd=7983364|title=[더 보다] KF-21, 코리아 파이터|publisher=Korean Broadcasting System|date=9 June 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912235545/https://news.kbs.co.kr/news/pc/view/view.do?ncd=7983364|archivedate=12 September 2024|accessdate=12 September 2024|author1=}}</ref> *** 281st Flight Test Squadron ** 53rd Air Demonstration Group, based at Wonju ** 91st Civil Engineer Group ** Air Force Aerospace Medical Center ** Air Force Weather Group ** '''Air Force Operations Command''' *** Korean Air And Space Operations Center ***'''Air Combat Command''' **** 1st Fighter Wing, based at Gwangju (T-50) [[File:KAI T-50 Golden Eagle Demo flight.jpg|thumb|T-50 Squadron on demo flight]] **** 8th Fighter Wing, based at Wonju (FA-50, KA-1, HARPY) **** 10th Fighter Wing, based at Suwon (KF-5E/F) **** 11th Fighter Wing, based at Daegu (F-15K) **** 16th Fighter Wing, based at Yecheon (TA-50, FA-50) **** 17th Fighter Wing, based at Cheongju (F-35A) **** 18th Fighter Wing, based at Gangneung (KF-5E/F) **** 19th Fighter Wing, based at Chungju (KF-16, F-16) **** 20th Fighter Wing, based at Seosan (KF-16) **** 29th Tactical Fighter Weapons Group, based at Cheongju **** 38th Fighter Group, based at Gunsan (KF-16) *** '''Air Mobility & Reconnaissance Command''' **** 3rd Flight Training Wing, based at Sacheon (KT-1) [[File:KT-1 훈련기 (7438444178).jpg|thumb|KT-1 Woongbi Basic Trainer preparing to take off]] ***** 213th Flight Training Squadron ***** 215th Flight Training Squadron ***** 217th Flight Training Squadron ***** 236th Flight Training Squadron **** 5th Air Mobility Wing, based at Gimhae (C-130, CN-235, KC-330) [[File:Korean AF C-130H (3097678513).jpg|thumb|right|A Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft]] **** 15th Special Missions Wing, based at Seongnam (C-130, CN-235) **** 39th Reconnaissance Wing, based at Chungju (RF-16, RC-800)<ref>[https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/south-korea-establishes-new-air-force-reconnaissance-unit/] South Korea establishes new air force reconnaissance unit- airforce-technology.com, 03 Nov 2020</ref> **** 6th Search & Rescue Air Group, based at Cheongju ***** 231st Search and Rescue Squadron ***** 233rd Search and Rescue Squadron ***** 235th Search and Rescue Squadron ***** Special search and Rescue squad **** 28th Flight Group **** 51st Air Control Flight Group, based at Gimhae (E-737) thumb|right|Boeing 737 AEW&C aircraft of the Republic of Korea Air Force *** '''Air & Missile Defense Command''' **** 1st Air & Missile Defense Brigade **** 2nd Air & Missile Defense Brigade **** 3rd Air & Missile Defense Brigade<ref>[https://v.daum.net/v/20231220075410730] 오세훈, 北 미사일 도발에 "스스로 누를 수 있는 핵 버튼 가져야", Daum, 20 December 2023</ref> *** '''Air Defense Control Command''' **** 31st Air Defense Control Group (1MCRC) **** 32nd Air Defense Control Group (2MCRC) **** 33rd Air Defense Control Group **** 34th Air Defense Control Group ** '''Air Force Logistics Command''' ** '''Air Force Education & Training Command''' *** Air Force Basic Military Training Wing, based at Sacheon *** Air Force Aviation Science High School *** Air Force 1st Logistics School *** Air Force 2nd Logistics School *** Information Communication School *** Administrative School *** Air Defence Artillery School *** Boramae Leadership Center ** '''Air Force Academy''' {{tree list/end}}
== Current major projects == === KF-X future fighter program === {{Main|KAI KF-21 Boramae}} The Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-21 Boramae (Northern Goshawk) is a multi-role 4.5 generation fighter built By Korean KAI and Indonesian PT DI. It will have capabilities in between the light FA-50 fighter and the high-grade, long-range, heavy payload F-15K and F-35 Lightning II.<ref>{{cite web |title=KAI KF-21 (KF-X)|url=https://aviationweek.com/node/4228921#|website=aviationweek.com|publisher=|access-date=11 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=South Korea rolls out prototype of its first indigenous fighter aircraft|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/south-korea-rolls-out-prototype-of-its-first-indigenous-fighter-aircraft|website=janes.com |publisher=|access-date=11 October 2021}}</ref>
=== Mid-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (MUAV) === {{Main|KUS-FS MALE}} The indigenously developed KUS-FS, nicknamed MUAV or Korean Unmanned System (KUS-FS), is designed for armed land and sea Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions with endurance of up to 24 hours. Its maiden flight was in 2012. Korean Air's Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD) unveiled its MALE UAV in 2019 with LIG Nex1 SAR and Hanwha EO/IR sensors, aimed for serial production in 2021. It reportedly has a wider wingspan than the Reaper at 25 m and is powered by a 1200 hp Pratt & Whitney PT6 turboprop engine.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/south-korea-highlights-unmanned-systems-interest-in-latest-defence-spending-plan|title=South Korea highlights unmanned systems interest in latest defence spending plan|newspaper=Janes.com|date=14 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/south-korean-mnd-eyes-kus-fs-uav-for-roka-ground-operations-command|title=South Korean MND eyes KUS-FS UAV for RoKA Ground Operations Command|publisher=Janes.com|date=30 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://uasweekly.com/2018/03/23/south-korean-kus-fs-male-uas-continues-flight-trials/|title=South Korean KUS-FS MALE UAS Continues Flight Trials|publisher=Uasweekly.com|date=23 March 2018}}</ref> South Korea will develop turbofan engines to be installed in high-performance unmanned aerial vehicles by 2025.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200130003551325|title=S. Korea to develop indigenous turbofan engine by 2025 |newspaper=Yonhap News Agency|date=January 30, 2020}}</ref>
=== M-SAM Block II === {{Main|KM-SAM}} In the spring of 2017 the PIP missile (M-SAM Block II) began its final tests, during which it shot down five of five practice ballistic missile targets. Seven (batteries) are scheduled for deployment throughout South Korea by 2022.<ref>[https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=04444406619108224&mediaCodeNo=257 한국형 패트리엇 '천궁' 양산 추진, KAMD 구축 '잰걸음'] - edaily.co.kr, 7 February 2018</ref>
=== L-SAM === {{Main|L-SAM}} L-SAM refers to a locally made long-range surface-to-air missile currently under development, while the Cheolmae II, also known as KM-SAM, is a domestically manufactured medium-range surface-to-air missile capable of engaging an incoming target at an altitude as high as 20 kilometers. The new project has been nicknamed the K-THAAD due to its planned long range of 25 to 93 miles and its ability to hit targets as high as 200,000 feet. Nearly $1 billion has been devoted to the L-SAM or Cheolmae-4, which is scheduled for completion in 2022 with deployment of four batteries to follow a year or two afterwards.<ref>[https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/meet-south-koreas-very-own-killer-s-300-air-defense-system-45477 Meet South Korea's Very Own Killer S-300 Air Defense System] - nationalinterest.org, 24 February 2019</ref>
=== Large Strategic Transport Aircraft === Since the introduction of the C-130J-30 Super Hercules as a large transport aircraft in 2010,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.segye.com/newsView/20100219003583|title=美대형수송기 C-130J-30 구매 확정|trans-title=Confirmation of purchasing the American large transporter C-130J-30|newspaper=Segye Ilbo|date=20 February 2020|language=Ko}}</ref> ROKAF has announced its intention to implement a second project for the acquisition of large strategic transporters.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bizhankook.com/bk/article/19824|title=[단독] 공군 '오랜 숙원' 대형수송기 2차 사업 본격화|trans-title=[Exclusive] Korea Air Force 'long-cherished' large-scale transport aircraft 2nd project in earnest|newspaper=Bizhankook|date=17 April 2020|language=Ko}}</ref> Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has disclosed detailed plans, outlining the purchase of four aircraft from overseas, with the entire project costing 480 billion won (US$37 million). DAPA has also mandated the formation of a consortium, involving Korean companies in the production of aircraft components.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ytn.co.kr/_ln/0101_202104261829535122|title=해병대 상륙공격헬기 국내 개발·대형수송기 국외구매|trans-title=Marine Corps landing attack helicopter developed in Korea and purchased large transportation airplanes overseas|newspaper=YTN News|date=26 April 2021|language=Ko}}</ref>
Throughout March and April 2023, ROKAF, DAPA, and KIDA (the Korea Institute for Defense Analysis) conducted an assessment of manufacturers, including Airbus, Embraer, Lockheed Martin, as part of the procurement evaluation.<ref name="Candidates">{{cite news|url=https://www.news1.kr/articles/5086624|title=공군 대형 수송기 2차 사업, 美·유럽·브라질 '3파전'… 연내 기종 결정|trans-title=Korea Air Force large transporter 2nd project, America·Europe·Brazil 'Three-way war'… decide the type within a year|newspaper=News1|date=24 June 2023|language=Ko}}</ref> The three manufacturers submitted the Airbus A400M Atlas, Embraer C-390 Millennium, and Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules for consideration in the second project.<ref name="Candidates"/> In December 2023, DAPA selected the Embraer C-390 Millennium as the winner of the Large Transport Aircraft (LTA) II tender, and planning to introduce three units by 2026.<ref name="軍 대형수송기 2차 기종, 美 아닌 브라질 C-390 선정">{{cite news|url=https://www.donga.com/news/Politics/article/all/20231205/122482027/1|title=軍 대형수송기 2차 기종, 美 아닌 브라질 C-390 선정|trans-title=Seconda large transport for the Air Force, selected Brazilian C-390 instead of American built|newspaper=Donga News|date=5 December 2023|language=Ko}}</ref><ref name="C390">{{cite press release|url=https://embraer.com/global/en/news?slug=1207319-south-korea-selects-the-embraer-c-390-millennium|title=South Korea selects the Embraer C-390 Millennium|publisher=Embraer|date=4 December 2023}}</ref>
In 2018, apart from the second project, the Korean government was in discussions with the Spanish government regarding a potential swap involving the Airbus A400M Atlas for the KT-1 Woongbi basic trainer and the T-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainer.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/11/113_258131.html|title=Korea, Spain discuss swap deal between trainer, cargo jets: report|newspaper=The Korea Times|date=4 November 2018}}</ref>
=== Long Range Air Defense Radar === South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has launched a project to develop an indigenous long-range air defense radar. Foreign-manufactured radars (Lockheed Martin TPS-77) currently in use to monitor Kadiz will be phased out and replaced with new domestic equipment starting in 2027, according to the agency.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2021-02-09/korea-orders-indigenous-long-range-air-defense-radars|title=Korea Orders Indigenous Long-range Air Defense Radars|publisher=www.ainonline.com|date=9 February 2021}}</ref>
==Equipment== ===Aircraft=== thumb|F-15K on landing thumb|right|A F-16 Fighting Falcon on takeoff thumb|A FA-50 on first delivery {| class="wikitable" ! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|Aircraft ! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Origin ! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;"|Type ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Variant ! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|In service ! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes |- ! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | Combat aircraft |- | F-5 Tiger II | United States | fighter | KF-5E/F | 61<ref name="A2">{{cite web |last=Jeong |first=Chung-sin |date=2024-05-16 |title=KF-21 창설부대 강릉 18전비 105비행대대…예천기지 제2비행단 예정 |trans-title=KF-21 to be First Deployed by Gangneung's 18th Fighter Wing 105th Squadron… Yecheon Base to Follow as Second. |url=https://munhwa.com/news/view.html?no=2024051601039930114007 |accessdate=13 August 2024 |work=Munhwa Ilbo |language=ko}}</ref> | |- | F-15E Strike Eagle | United States | multirole | F-15K | 59<ref name="World Air Forces 20242">{{cite news |year=2025 |title=World Air Forces 2025 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 |access-date=26 April 2025 |newspaper=Flight Global |doi=}}</ref> | |- |rowspan="2"|F-16 Fighting Falcon |rowspan="2"|United States |rowspan="2"|multirole | KF-16C/U | 118 | |- | KF-16D | 49 | Also provide conversion training<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> |- | F-35 Lightning II | United States | multirole | F-35A | 40 | 20 on order<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/south-korea-signs-major-contracts-f-35as-attack-helicopters|title=South Korea Signs Major Contracts For F-35As, Attack Helicopters|date=2023-12-28|access-date=2024-01-25|publisher=aviationweek.com}}</ref> |- | T-50 Golden Eagle | Republic of Korea | light multirole | FA-50 | 60<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | |- | KF-21 Boramae | Republic of Korea | air superiority | Block 1 | 6 prototypes<ref>[https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/south-korea-kf-21-fighter-final-prototype South Korea's 6th and final KF-21 fighter prototype takes to the skies: video]</ref> | 20 on order<ref>{{cite news|last=Arthur|first=Gordon|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2024/06/27/south-korea-orders-first-batch-of-kf-21-fighters/|title=South Korea orders first batch of KF-21 fighters|publisher=Defense News|date=27 June 2024}}</ref> |- ! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | AWACS |- | E-7 Wedgetail | United States | AEW&C | E-737 | 4<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | Equipped with a MESA radar |- ! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | Reconnaissance |- | Dassault Falcon | France | EW / ELINT | 2000 | 2<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | 4 on order<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/kai-to-develop-new-isr-aircraft-system-for-rokaf-under-baekdu-ii-project |title=KAI to develop new ISR aircraft system for RoKAF under Baekdu-II project |publisher=janes.com|date=2021-11-01|access-date=2022-03-23|first=Alessandra|last=Giovanzanti}}</ref> |- | Hawker 800 | United Kingdom | reconnaissance / SIGINT | RC-800s |8<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | |- ! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | Tanker |- | Airbus A330 MRTT | France | refueling / transport | KC-330 | 4<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | |- ! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | Transport |- | Boeing 737 | United States | VIP | 737 MAX 8 | 1<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | |- | Boeing 747 | United States | VIP | 747-8I | 1<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/republic-of-korea-air-force-new-code-one|title=Republic of Korea Air Force new Code One|date=2022-01-18|access-date=2024-01-23|publisher=Scramble.nl}}</ref> |Presidential transport operated as Code One leased from Korean Air |- | CASA CN-235 | Spain / Indonesia | transport / utility | | 18<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | |- | C-130 Hercules | United States | tactical airlifter | C-130H | 12<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | |- | C-130J Super Hercules | United States | tactical airlifter | | 4<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | |- | C-390 Millennium | Brazil | transport / utility | | | 3 on order<ref name="軍 대형수송기 2차 기종, 美 아닌 브라질 C-390 선정" /><ref name="C390" /> |- ! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | Helicopters |- | AS332 Super Puma | France | utility / transport | |3<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | |- | Bell 412 | United States | utility | |3<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | |- | CH-47 Chinook | United States | transport / CSAR | HH-47D | 9<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | |- | Sikorsky S-70 | United States | utility / CSAR | HH-60P | 17<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | |- | Sikorsky S-92 | United States | VIP | |3<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/check-out-south-koreas-own-vh-92-presidential-helicopter |title= Check Out South Korea's Own VH-92 Presidential Helicopter |website= thedrive.com |date=2022-04-13|first1=Thomas|first2=Tyler|last1=Nedwick|last2=Rogoway|access-date=2024-01-23}}</ref> | |- ! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | Trainer aircraft |- | KC-100 Naraon | Republic of Korea | trainer | KT-100 | 23<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | |- |rowspan="2"|KT-1 Woongbi |rowspan="2"|Republic of Korea | trainer |KT-1 |rowspan="2"|103<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | |- | light attack |KA-1 | |- |rowspan="3"|T-50 Golden Eagle |rowspan="3"|Republic of Korea | trainer | T-50 | 72<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | |- | Aerobatic-specialized | T-50B | 10<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | Used by Black Eagles aerobatic team |- | LIFT | TA-50 | 22<ref name="World Air Forces 20242" /> | 20 Block II on order.<ref>{{cite web|title=South Korea orders 20 TA-50 Block 2 training/light attack aircraft|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/south-korea-orders-20-ta-50-block-2-traininglight-attack-aircraft|website=www.janes.com|publisher=Janes|access-date=29 June 2020}}</ref> |- ! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | UAV |- |RQ-4 Global Hawk | United States |surveillance | |4<ref>{{cite web |title=US delivers fourth and final RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV to RoKAF |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-delivers-fourth-and-final-rq-4-global-hawk-uav-to-rokaf |website=www.janes.com |publisher=Janes|access-date=24 September 2021}}</ref> | |}
==== Retired aircraft ==== thumb|Retired North American F-86F Sabre of the ROKAF on display Previous aircraft operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force consisted of the following aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1955/1955%20-%200650.html |title=World Air Forces 1955 pg. 648 |publisher=flightglobal.com |access-date=5 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820034344/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1955/1955%20-%200650.html |archive-date=20 August 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1973/1973%20-%202009.html|title=World Air Forces 1973 pg. 152|publisher=flightglobal.com|access-date=5 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073117/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1973/1973%20-%202009.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1969/1969%20-%202613.html|title=World Air Forces 1969 pg. 249|publisher=flightglobal.com|access-date=5 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820033530/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1969/1969%20-%202613.html|archive-date=20 August 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
{{div col}} * A-37B Dragonfly * BAe 748 * C-46 Commando * C-47 Skytrain * F-4E Phantom II * F-86F Sabre * F-86D Sabre Dog * H-19 Chickasaw * HH-32<ref>{{cite news|url=https://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/newsWeb/20251215/3/ATCE_CTGR_0010050000/view.do|title=21년 간 구조·진화·공수 임무 마치고|trans-title=After 21 years of rescue, evolution, and air defense...|publisher=Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea|website=kookbang.dema.mil|access-date=12 December 2025|language=Korean}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspim.com/news/view/20251208000733|title=21년 간 구조·진화·공수 임무 마치고|trans-title=Air Force is the only Russian-made HH-32 'Kamov helicopter' to go into history for the first time in 34 years|publisher=Newspim|access-date=8 December 2025|language=Korean}}</ref> * P-51 Mustang * S-2 Tracker * T-6 Texan * T-28 Trojan * T-33A Shooting Star * Hawk Mk.67 * T-37C Tweet * T-38A Talon<ref>{{cite news|url=https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/001/0002111145?sid=102|title=美 퇴역 훈련기 본국으로|trans-title=Retired U.S. triner, returns to homeland|publisher=Yonhap News Agency|access-date=2 June 2008|language=Korean}}</ref> * UH-1 Huey {{div col end}}
===Air defence=== The ROKAF Air Defence Artillery Command transferred from the Republic of Korea Army's air defense artillery and was established as a basic branch on 1 July 1991.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.law.go.kr/lsInfoP.do?lsiSeq=10329#0000|title=국가법령정보센터 - 법령 > 본문 - 공군방공포병사령부령|website=www.law.go.kr|access-date=2013-05-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217205835/http://www.law.go.kr/lsInfoP.do?lsiSeq=10329#0000|archive-date=2014-12-17|url-status=live}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" ! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Name ! style="text-align: center; background:#aabccc;"|Origin ! style="text-align:l center; background:#aabccc;"|Type ! style="text-align:l center; background:#aabccc;"|Variant ! style="text-align:l center; background:#aabccc;"|In service ! style="text-align: center; background:#aabccc;"|Notes |- ! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6" | Surface-to-air missile |- | MIM-104 Patriot | United States |ABM / SAM system |PAC-3<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/deliveries-of-pac-3-air-defence-systems-to-rokaf-completed|title=Deliveries of PAC-3 air-defence systems to RoKAF completed|publisher=www.janes.com|date=14 December 2020}}</ref> | 8 batteries<ref name="sipri1">[http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php Trade Registers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422051706/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |date=2019-04-22 }}. Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved on 6 October 2015</ref> | |- |rowspan="2"|KM-SAM Cheongung |rowspan="2"|Republic of Korea |rowspan="2"| medium range ABM / SAM system |Block I |18 batteries<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asiae.co.kr/article/2020081909554103340|title=북 미사일 막을 방공망 촘촘해진다 [양낙규 군사전문기자]|language=ko|publisher=www.asiae.co.kr/article 아시아경제|date=19 August 2020}}</ref> | |- |Block II |1 (7 on order)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/rokaf-receives-first-cheongung-ii-m-sam-battery|title=RoKAF receives first Cheongung-II M-SAM battery|publisher=www.janes.com|date=26 November 2020}}</ref> | |- ! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | Anti-aircraft artillery |- |M167 VADS |Republic of Korea ||anti-aircraft gun |KM167A3 |200 |20mm anti-aircraft gun |- ! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | Man-portable air-defense system |- |KP-SAM Shingung |Republic of Korea |man-portable air-defense system | |2,000 | |}
== Military ranks == Officer ranks can be learned fairly easily if one sees the pattern. {{lang|ko-Latn|So}} equals small; {{lang|ko-Latn|Jung}} equals medium; {{lang|ko-Latn|Dae}} equals large. {{lang|ko-Latn|Jun}} equals the prefix sub-. Each of these is coupled with {{lang|ko-Latn|wi}} equals company grade, {{lang|ko-Latn|ryeong}} equals field grade, and {{lang|ko-Latn|jang}} equals general. This system is due to the hanja or Sino-Korean origin of the names.
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;" {{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OF/Blank}} {{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OF/South Korea}} |}
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;" |- style="background-color:#CCCCCC; text-align:center;" ! Rank Group ! Warrant officer |- style="text-align:center;" | rowspan=2| '''{{air force|South Korea}}'''<ref name="law.go.kr" /> | 50px |- style="text-align:center;" | {{lang|ko|준위}}<br />{{lang|ko-Latn|Junwi}} |}
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;" |- style="background-color:#CCCCCC; text-align:center;" ! Rank group ! colspan=16| Non-commissioned officer ! colspan=20| Enlisted {{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OR/South Korea}} |}
==Roundels== {{Gallery |width=150 |height=50 |align=center |noborder=yes | File:Roundel of South Korea.svg |2000–present | File:Roundel of South Korea - Low Visibility.svg|2000–present<br>(low-visibility) | File:ROKAF Roundel 1950s-2000s.svg |1951–2000 | File:Second roundel of South Korea.svg |1950s }}
== See also == * Chief of Staff of the Air Force (South Korea) * Republic of Korea Armed Forces * Korean People's Army Air Force
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * ROK Air Force official website ([http://www.airforce.mil.kr/ Korean] / [http://www.airforce.mil.kr:8081/user/indexMain.action?command=&siteId=airforce-eng English])
{{South Korean armed forces}} {{Air forces}} {{Space forces}} {{Politics of outer space}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Republic of Korea Air Force Category:Military of South Korea