By AARON MEHTA and WENDELL MINNICK
WASHINGTON AND TAIPEI — The Republic of Korea has officially selected the F-35 as its next-generation fighter, the government announced this morning.
The country has agreed to purchase 40 of the F-35A conventional-takeoff-and-landing (CTOL) design, with first delivery planned for 2018. South Korea becomes the third foreign military sales customer for the F-35, joining Israel and Japan. There are eight other international partners on the program.
The conventional variant appears to be popular among nations with a deeper strategic depth and a sophisticated air defense network.
“We are honored by and appreciate the trust and confidence the Republic of Korea has placed in the 5th generation F-35 to meet its demanding security requirements,” Orlando Carvalho, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics executive vice president, said in a company press release. “This decision strengthens and extends our long-standing security partnership while enhancing regional stability across the greater Asia Pacific theater.”
Read the full story at DefenseNews