Republic of Korea Air Force

Republic of Korea Air Force 대한민국 공군 Daehanminguk Gong-gun
Mark of the Republic of Korea Air Force
Active	October 1, 1949 – present
Country	South Korea
Type	Air force
Size	65,000 (2012)
Part of	Ministry of National Defense
Garrison/HQ	Gyeryong, South Korea
March	"Air Force Anthem" (Korean: 공군가; "Gonggunga")
Mascot(s)	Haneuli Purumae
Aircraft	760 (2010)
Engagements	Korean War Vietnam War Persian Gulf War Global War on Terrorism
Commanders
Air Force Chief of Staff	General Sung Il-hwan (since April 2012)
Insignia
Roundel
Low-visibility Roundel

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF; Korean: 대한민국 공군; Hanja: 大韓民國 空軍; Revised Romanization: Daehanminguk Gong-gun), also known as the ROK Air Force, is the aerial warfare service branch of South Korea, operating under the South Korean Ministry of National Defense.

The ROKAF has about 500 combat aircraft of American design, in addition to a few Russian, European, and indigenously-designed aircraft.

History

Early years

The buhwal is South Korea's first indigenous aircraft (designed 1953)

Shortly after the end of World War II, the South Korean Air Construction Association was founded on August 10, 1946 to publicize the importance of air power. Despite the then-scanty status of Korean armed forces, the first air unit was formed on May 5, 1948 under the direction of Dong Wi-bu, the forerunner to the modern South Korean Ministry of National Defence. On September 13, 1949, the United States contributed 10 L-4 Grasshopper observation aircraft to the South Korean air unit. An Army Air Academy was founded on January, 1949, and the ROKAF was officially founded on October, 1949.

Korean War

F-51D were among the first fighter aircraft deployed by the ROKAF.

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 trainer and liaison aircraft, including 10 North American T-6 Texan (Korean:건국기, Hanja: 建國機, Geongukgi) 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. However, during the course of the war, the ROKAF acquired 110 aircraft: 79 fighter-bombers, three fighter squadrons, and one fighter wing. The first combat aircraft received were 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 was moved to Daebangdong, Seoul. Air Force University was also founded in 1956.

1960s

To counter the threat of possible North Korean aggression, the ROKAF underwent a substantial capability enhancement. The ROKAF acquired T-28 trainers, F-86D night- and all-weather interceptors, F-5 fighters and F-4D 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 C-46 aircraft used to support Republic of Korea Army and Republic of Korea Marine Corps units serving in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

1970s

The former ROKAF roundel, similar to the American one. It was used until 2000.

A South Korean F-4D armed with AIM-9 missiles at Daegu Air Base in January 1979.

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 purchase of F-5E fighters in August 1974 and F-4E fighter bombers. Support aircraft, such as C-123s and S-2s were also purchased at the time. Great emphasis was placed in the flight training program; new trainer aircraft (T-41 and 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 qualitative expansion of aircraft to catch up to the strength of North Korean Air Force. In 1982, Korean variants of the F-5E, the Jegong-ho (hangul:제공호, hanja:制空號) 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. Forty F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters were 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 from 1994. In 1997, for the first time in Korean aviation history, female cadets were accepted into the Korean Air Force Academy.

2000s

South Korea became one of the world's few aircraft exporters when it sold 19 KT-1B trainer aircraft to Indonesia in 2003. The last of the old South Korean 60 F-5A/B fighters were all retired in August 2007, and they are being replaced with the F-15K and F/A-50. On October 20, 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.

2010s

The South Korean Air Force's primary role is to defend the country from various threats, including that of the North Korean Army and North Korean Air Force, which fields about twice as many aircraft, though mostly older and obsolete Soviet-designed fighters. As of 2008, the South Korean Air Force flew more than 180 KF-16, 174 F-5E/F, 68 F-4E, 60 F-15K, and a number of South Korean-made T-50 among its combat aircraft.

The South Korean variant the of F-15E were named the F-15K Slam Eagle due to their capability to launch the SLAM-ER missiles and Harpoon missiles.

Korean Aerospace Industries, South Korea's national aerospace company, has plans to export more KT-1 and T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic trainer aircraft to other countries. In addition, the Ilyushin Il-103 prop-driven trainer has replaced the T-41 in the primary training role.

The South Korean Air Force also expressed interests in acquiring the RQ-4 Global Hawk remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) and a number of Joint Direct Attack Munition conversion kits to further improve its intelligence and offensive capabilities.

Order of battle

Taxi traffic F-16 Fighting Falcons demonstrate an 'Elephant Walk' as they taxi down the flightline at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, Dec. 14, 2012.

A South Korean F-15K Eagle comes in for fuel from a KC-135

A South Korean Air Force T-50B fascinates thousands of spectators with an aerial demonstration during the Farnborough International Air Show in Farnborough, England, July 15, 2012.

A South Korean Air Force (ROKAF) Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft

Republic of Korea Air Force operates Kamov Ka-32A4s(local designation HH-32) for CSAR

A South Korean Air Force (ROKAF) HL1087 Antonov An-2

• Republic of Korea Air Force Headquarters (대한민국 공군본부)
  • Air Force Operations Command (공군작전사령부)
    • 5th Tactical Airlift Wing (제5전술공수비행단), based at Gimhae (ICAO RKPK/IATA PUS)
      • 251st Tactical Air Support Squadron flying C-130H and C-130H-30
      • 256th Tactical Air Support Squadron flying CN235-100M
      • 258th Tactical Support Squadron flying CN235-100M and CN235-220M
      • 259th Tactical Air Support Squadron flying UH-60P
    • 15th Composite Wing (제15혼성비행단), based at Seongnam (ICAO RKSM/IATA SSN)
      • 237th Tactical Control Squadron flying 20 KA-1
      • 255th Special Operations Squadron flying C-130H
      • 257th Tactical Air Transport Squadron flying C-130H
    • 35th Combined Group
      • 296th Special Transport Squadron flying the HS-748 (2 aircraft tail numbers 1713 and 1718), CN235-220M (2 aircraft tail numbers 02-050 and 02-051), Boeing 737-3Z6 (1 aircraft tail number 85-101), Sikorsky VH-60P and the new Sikorsky S-92 (3 helicopters tail numbers 05-035, 05-050 and 05-055)
    • 6th Combat Control Team/Combat Search And Rescue Group (제6탐색구조비행전대)
  • Air Force Northern Combat Command (공군북부전투사령부)
    • 8th Fighter Wing (제8전투비행단), based at Wonju (ICAO RKNW/IATA WBJ)
      • 103rd Fighter Squadron flying F-5E/F-5F/KF-5F
      • 207th Fighter Squadron flying KF-5E and KF-5F
      • 288th Electronic Fighter Squadron flying Harpy
      • 239th Special Squadron, aka. Black Eagles Aerobatic Team(ko:블랙이글스)
    • 10th Fighter Wing (제10전투비행단), based at Suwon Air Base (ICAO RKSW/IATA SWU)
      • 101st Fighter Squadron flying KF-5E/KF-5F/F-5F
      • 201st Fighter Squadron flying KF-5E/KF-5F/F-5F
    • 39th Tactical Reconnaissance Group
      • 131st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron flying 17 RF-4C Phantom
    • 17th Fighter Wing (제17전투비행단), based at Cheongju (ICAO RKTU/IATA CJJ)
      • 152nd Fighter Squadron flying F-4E
      • 153rd Fighter Squadron flying F-4E
      • 156th Fighter Squadron flying F-4E
    • 29th Tactical Development & Training Group
      • 191st Tactical Development & Training Squadron flying F-16C/D and KF-16C/D
      • 192nd Tactical Development & Training Squadron flying F-5E/F and KF-5E/F
    • 6th Search & Rescue Group
      • 233rd Combat Search & Rescue Squadron flying Bell 412, Eurocopter AS532L/L2 Cougar and Sikorsky HH-60P helicopters
      • 235th Combat Search & Rescue Squadron flying Kamov HH-32 (KA-32T) and Boeing Vertol HH-47D Chinook helicopters
    • 18th Fighter Wing (제18전투비행단), based at Gangneung (ICAO RKNN/IATA KAG)
    • 19th Fighter Wing (제19전투비행단), based at Jungwon Air Base (ICAO RKTU/IATA CJJ)
      • 161st Fighter Squadron flying F-16C/D (Block32)
      • 162nd Fighter Squadron flying F-16C/D (Block32)
      • 155th Fighter Squadron flying KF-16C/D (Block52)
      • 159th Fighter Squadron flying KF-16C/D (Block52)
    • 20th Fighter Wing (제20전투비행단), based at Seosan Air Base (ICAO RKTP)
      • 120th Fighter Squadron flying KF-16C/D (Block52)
      • 121st Fighter Squadron flying KF-16C/D (Block52)
      • 123rd Fighter Squadron flying KF-16C/D (Block52)
      • 157th Fighter Squadron flying KF-16C/D (Block52)
  • Air Force Southern Combat Command (공군남부전투사령부)
    • 1st Fighter Wing (제1전투비행단), based at Gwangju (ICAO RKJJ/IATA KWJ)
    • 11th Fighter Wing (제11전투비행단), based at Daegu (ICAO RKTN/IATA TAE)
      • 102nd Fighter Squadron flying F-15K
      • 122nd Fighter Squadron flying F-15K
      • 110th Fighter Squadron flying F-15K
    • 16th Fighter Wing (제16전투비행단), based at Yecheon (ICAO RKTY/IATA YEC)
      • 202nd Fighter Squadron flying F-5E/F-5F/KF-5F
      • 216th Flying Training Squadron flying 16 T-59 (BAe Hawk Mk.67)
    • 38th Fighter Group (제38전투비행전대), based at Gunsan
      • 111th Fighter Squadron flying KF-16
  • Air Defence Artillery Command (방공유도탄사령부)
    • 1st Air Defence Artillery Brigade (제1방공포병여단)
    • 2nd Air Defence Artillery Brigade (제2방공포병여단)
    • 3rd Air Defence Artillery Brigade (제3방공포병여단)
  • Air Defense & Control Command (방공관제사령부), based at Osan (ICAO RKSO/IATA OSN)
    • 1st Master Control and Report Center Group (제31중앙방공통제전대), based at Osan (ICAO RKSO/IATA OSN)
    • 2nd Master Control and Report Center Group (제32중앙방공통제전대), based at Daegu (ICAO RKTN/IATA TAE)
  • Air Force Logistics Command (공군군수사령부)
    • Maintenance Depots (정비창)
    • Supply Depots (보급창)
    • Transportation Groups (수송단)
  • Air Force Education & Training Command (공군교육사령부)
    • Basic Military Training Wing (기본군사훈련단)
    • 3rd Flying Training Wing (제3훈련비행단)
    • Air Force Aviation Science High School (공군항공과학고등학교)
    • Technical Schools (병과학교)
  • Aerospace Projects Group
  • Aerial Combat Development Group (공군전투발전단)
  • Air Force Academy (공군사관학교)

Current projects

F-15K landing

F-X fighter program

F-X Phase 1

One of the most recent additions to the ROKAF is F-15K Slam Eagle (Korean: F-15K 슬램 이글), an advanced derivative of the F-15E Strike Eagle which fulfilled the requirements of the "F-X" next generation fighter program in 2002. The F-15K was chosen over the Dassault Rafale, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and the Russian Sukhoi Su-35. Although the Rafale fighter received more favorable reviews from the senior military officials, the F-15K was chosen at the end due to the easier process of integration into the ROKAF since the Air Force already has supplies of American-designed and made weapons that can be installed on the F-15K more readily than on the Rafale.

F-15K crash controversy

On June 7, 2006, an F-15K crashed off the coast of South Korea, during a nighttime intercept training mission, killing both pilots on board. The ROKAF commissioned a full investigation, lasting several months. The Republic of Korea Air Force later issued a public statement saying that the accident was apparently caused by both crew members entering a state of g-force Loss-of-Consciousness that lasted 16 seconds and resulted in loss of control of the aircraft. Various discussions included 1. the blackbox (ECSMU) was not recovered, due to the great depth (1200 ft) of the crash site. 2. F-15Ks are NOT equipped with automatic GLC (Gravity Induced Loss of Consciousness) systems, and 3. the pilots were both seasoned Air Force veterans. Other factors considered in the investigation were the cloudy weather conditions, a night mission with the use of night vision goggles. Flight control parts were found and analyzed as part of the investigation which ruled out mechanical problems with the aircraft.

F-X Phase 2

For the second phase of the F-X program, ROKAF has purchased 21 additional F-15K to compensate for the retirement of their F-5A/B in August 2007. The avionics configuration for the Phase 1 and 2 F-15K remains largely identical, and the only differences are that the weapon compatibility has been increased (Bunker Busters, etc.) and that the engines have been switched from the F110-STW-129A to the F100-PW-229EEP, an improved version of the F100-PW-229. The new engines have commonality with the F100-PW-229 engines on the KF-16 and are compatible with each other, allowing ROKAF the option to interchange the engines among the KF-16 and Phase 2 F-15K. This allows the F-15K to be equipped with a KF-16's F100-PW-229 if necessary.

F-X Phase 3

The third phase of the F-X project is a bid for an advanced multi-role strike fighter aircraft by 2014, intended to replace the aging F-4 Phantom II and F-5. The rumored purchase number is 40-60 aircraft (9 billion dollar project). The Korean Ministry of Defense had shown interest in the F-22 Raptor, but the United States Department of Defense did not permit the export of this advanced stealth fighter. The only candidates remaining are the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, the Eurofighter, and the Boeing F-15SE Silent Eagle. The Sukhoi PAK FA had been shortlisted by DAPA previously, but Sukhoi failed to enter the bidding competition. Saab attended the RFP meeting, but didn't bid its Saab JAS 39 Gripen. DAPA had set the date of June 18, 2012 for the receipt of proposals with testing and evaluation taking place until September 2012 and with a winner due to be announced in October 2012. However, both Lockheed and EADS failed to submit Korean versions of their pricing and technology transfer details, leaving Boeing as the only vendor to meet the requirement for their proposal. The proposal deadline was extended to July 5. The RoK defense establishment had been resisting calls to delay the decision until after the presidential election. The decision to purchase 60 fighters is now due to be made by mid-2013. Emphasis is being put on driving down costs, offsets, and technology transfer. Sources in South Korea say part of the focus of which aircraft to select is being heavily based on technology transfer for the indigenous KF-X aircraft program. The Department of Defense formally notified the U.S. Congress of potential sales of the F-35A Lightning II and F-15SE Silent Eagle on 29 March 2013. Lockheed was pleased that the formal Congressional notification process was under way, but noted that price discussions are "on-going." Boeing feels that the F-15SE is a better bid, as it is cheaper and offers commonality with current F-15K Slam Eagles. However, Boeing's bid is more complicated because it is both a direct commercial sale and government-to-government foreign military sale. The Eurofighter Typhoon is still an option, but it is likely that South Korea will choose to purchase American aircraft, as they have previously. In response, EADS has offered to manufacture 48 out of 60 Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3 fighters domestically in South Korea. Senior South Korean government officials claim that the F-X Phase 3 competition is not aimed at defending against or striking North Korea, but for keeping pace with the fighter developments of its neighbors. With Japan's decision to buy the Lockheed F-35A, China's development of the Chengdu J-20, and Russia's work on the Sukhoi PAK FA, South Korea is in need of upgrading its fighter technology. The bidding was extended because all three initial bids were above the $7.3 billion limit for the 60 aircraft (i.e. more than $121 million per aircraft). During bidding sessions from June 18 to July 5, Boeing, Lockheed, and EADS submitted 55 separate price proposals. On 10 July 2013, DAPA temporarily suspended bidding, as they were experiencing difficulties in making the companies offer prices within the estimated budget. According to multiple sources, Lockheed did not submit either a fixed price or a maximum price during the bidding process. On 25 July 2013, DAPA announced bidding would resume in "the third week of August." Analysts had said that was unlikely to close the price gap that stalled the previous bids, so DAPA is considering various options, including reviewing the project, increasing the overall budget, or even a split buy. Bidding will resume from August 12-16 and has a required price of $7.45 billion. The Lockheed F-35 may face an early exit because it can not be guaranteed a fixed price. Since it is still in development, price may go up significantly and exceed the limit. Lockheed might sharply push down costs in the new round of the bidding to win the deal. The runner-up or a third place aircraft has a chance to secure a deal if either of comes to within the given budget. The F-35 may only have a chance if DAPA calls off bidding and increases the budget for the program. On the final day of bidding, the F-15SE and Eurofighter Typhoon came within the given budget. DAPA admitted at least one fighter satisfied the procurement price, but declined to announce how many aircraft closed the price gap citing the ongoing procedure. As there were companies that offered price within budget, they will proceed to the next step. DAPA will evaluate all three fighters before a committee meeting and pick a winner by September. Any aircraft that exceeds the budget will not be signed for the contract. There is the possibility that there will be no winner. After Boeing reduced their bid on the F-15SE and the other two were disqualified, the F-15SE appeared to have won the competition, but this will not be confirmed until mid-September 2013. EADS maintains that the Eurofighter remains in the race and Lockheed said they had not received any official notification regarding bidding results, although sources said the F-35's bid was over-budget. Boeing also says they have not received any official notification from the Republic of Korea regarding a decision. Some South Korean Air Force officials are still pushing for an F-35 order to use for technology transfer for its KF-X domestic fighter program. Others say focusing on acquiring an expensive stealth fighter mainly for technology use stalls the intention of the F-X Phase 3 program to replace the aging F-4s and F-5s. In September 2013, DAPA said they will recommend buying the F-15SE. Ex-Air Force chiefs had insisted that a stealth plane should be chosen regardless of price. Officials do not want to lengthen the long-delayed project and expect a radar that can detect stealth aircraft to be developed in a few years. The defense ministry rejected the award and said a new competition would be held to "secure military capability in line with recent aviation technology developments." The more advanced aircraft would allow for preemptive strikes against North Korea's nuclear capability and would also better match the fifth generation fighters of Japan and China.

As the Phase 3 project restarted, consideration was given to a split buy with only 20 to 40 stealth fighters.

E-X Early warning aircraft program

The E-X Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft program (also known as 'Peace Eye') was undertaken by the Republic of Korea Air Force to purchase AEW capability to strengthen ROKAF's ability to detect and distinguish between friendly and hostile aircraft. The two candidates for this program were the Boeing 737 AEW&C and a consortium of Israel Aerospace Industries, Elta, L-3 Communications and Gulfstream Aerospace offering a Gulfstream G500/G550 aircraft equipped with Phalcon radar.

Originally, the ROKAF preferred the Gulfstream as it was cheaper than the Boeing counterpart. The Gulfstream was, in turn, less capable than the Boeing. However, the fact that almost no other nations, barring Japan, has advanced AWACS gave the Koreans the impression that the Gulfstream would be adequate enough to handle the given task of the E-X project.

The United States issued a warning to the IAI/Elta consortium that several of the AWACS technologies employed aboard the Gulfstream were developed by the United States, such as the IFF system, TADIL A/B (Link 11) and J (Link 16), satellite communications and AN/ARC-164 Have Quick II radios, and thus that Israel was obliged not to resell any of these technologies to another country without the permission of the United States.

In August 2006 DAPA announced that the Gulfstream was disqualified from the competition because of the failure to obtain US export licences for the datalinks and satellite communications, leaving the Boeing as the only proposal. In November 2006, the Boeing 737 AEW&C was announced to be the winner of the E-X AEW aircraft competition. In 2011, the first two of four Peace Eye aircraft were delivered. The final two aircraft were delivered in 2012.

KF-X future fighter program

Main article: KFX (aircraft)

The KF-X program is an early-stage project to develop an indigenous fighter aircraft. The current proposal is to develop an F-16 Block 50 class aircraft with basic stealth capabilities to replace the F-4D/E Phantom II and F-5E/F Tiger II aircraft. South Korea is reportedly seeking technological assistance from Saab, Boeing and Lockheed Martin for the production of the KF-X. On 15 July 2010, the Indonesia government agreed to fund 20% of KF-X project cost in return of around 50 planes built for Indonesian Air Force after project completion. In September 2010, Indonesia sent a team of legal and aviation experts to South Korea to discuss copyright issues of the aircraft. In December 2010 the program shifted from a F-16 class fighter to a stealth aircraft in order to respond to North Korean pressure. EADS has said that if South Korea selects its Eurofighter Typhoon for the F-X program, they will invest $2 billion into the KF-X program.

Mid-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (MUAV)

South Korea will resume a once-aborted program to develop mid-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (MUAV) to bolster its monitoring capabilities of North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs. The state-funded Agency for Defense Development launched the indigenous drone development project in 2006 and made a prototype in May 2010. The medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV is designed to fly at an altitude of up to 10 kilometers and its radar can scan as far as 100 km. Korea hopes to complete development of the combat drones by 2018. The overall performance of the drones under development in Korea is believed to be similar to the MQ-9 Reaper.

HALE (High Altitude, Long Endurance) UAV

Seoul has shown interest in the high-altitude, long-endurance Global Hawk drones to conduct intelligence missions on North Korea, as it is preparing to take over wartime operational control from Washington at the end of 2015. But the price is nearly a three-fold jump from the initial price estimated by the defense ministry, and much higher than $875 million offered by the U.S. government in July 2011. The U.S. Congress has approved the sale to South Korea 4 Global Hawk UAV, Seoul but may have to reconsider the deal because the cost is too high.

Aerial tanker

The Air Force is to acquire four aerial refueling tankers between 2017-2019. Potential candidates include the Airbus MRTTA330 and the Boeing KC-46. The tankers will be used to refuel combat jet fighters. Previous attempts to buy tankers had been delayed due to budget constraints. On 12 August 2013, DAPA approved the plan for tanker acquisition. Bidding will begin in February 2014, with the winner to be announced in October 2014 after evaluations of price and performance. Air-to-air refueling will increase the endurance of the KF-16 by 70 minutes, and the F-15K by 90 minutes. DAPA declined to reveal the budget for the plan and estimated to be over $1.3 billion. A plan to buy four aircraft will be approved in November 2013, with evaluations to proceed from March to May 2014. The contract is valued at $940 million.

Main equipment

Aircraft

Aircraft	Role	Versions	In service	Notes
Fighter Aircraft
Boeing F-15K Slam Eagle	fighter-bomber	F-15K Slam Eagle	60	ROKAF received a total of 61 F-15K
KAI FA-50 Golden Eagle	fighter-trainer(tandem)	FA-50(Batch-I) FA-50(Batch-II)	1 (20) (40)?	First batch comprising eight FA-50s set for delivery this year, followed by the second with the remaining 12 in 2014 ROKAF could eventually acquire a total of 60 to 100 FA-50s to replace more than 150 Northrop F-5s. Second contract will ensure production until 2016.
Lockheed F-16 Fighting Falcon	fighter fighter-trainer(tandem) fighter fighter-trainer(tandem)	F-16C Block-32 F-16D Block-32 KF-16C Block-52 KF-16D Block-52	28 7 90 44	ROKAF received a total of 180 F-16s.(30 F-16C-32, 10 F-16D-32, 94 KF-16C-52, and 46 KF-16D-52) KF-16 built by KAI under license
McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II	fighter-bomber	F-4E	68	ROKAF received(1968~1989) a total of 220 F-4s(92 F-4D, 103 F-4E and 27 RF-4C)
Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II	fighter fighter-trainer(tandem) fighter fighter-trainer(tandem)	F-5E F-5F KF-5E KF-5F	170	ROKAF received a total of 214 F-5s.(126 F-5E, 20 F-5F, 48 KF-5E, and 20 KF-5F) KF-5 built by Korean Air under license between 1982 and 1986 F-5E/F to be replaced by FA-50
Transport Aircraft
Boeing 737-300	VIP transport	737-3Z8	1	Used as Presidential Transport
Boeing 747-400	VIP transport	747-4B5	1	Used as Presidential Transport (leased from Korean Air)
Avro 748	VIP transport	HS.748	2
CASA CN-235	VIP transport	VCN-235	2
CASA CN-235	tactical transport	CN-235-100 CN-235-220	12 6	built by CASA built by IPTN
Lockheed C-130 Hercules	tactical transport	C-130H C-130H-30	8 4
Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules	tactical transport	C-130J-30	(4)	4 Aircraft will be delivered in 2014.
Undesignated Aircraft
Antonov An-2	Evaluations	L-2	20	Republic of Korean Air Force operates 20 L-2 variants purchased(Cold War Era; 1970s~80s) from Poland and Eastern Europe for drill purpose against North Korean invasion, paratrooper operation, and flight trainers. Their presence was considered classified but released into public after a few accidents. Although it is not common to assign HL code to military crafts, these L-2 are one of a few exceptions. However, the HL codes assigned to L-2 shows different plane, such as Cessna 172, from database search.
Reconnaissance Aircraft
BAe 125 Hawker 800	(IMINT) (SIGINT)	RC-800RA RC-800SIG	4 4
Dassault Falcon 2000	ISR		(2)	2 ELINT Falcon 2000s on order.
McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II	reconnaissance	RF-4C	16	ROKAF received a total of 27 RF-4C
KAI KA-1 Woongbi	forward air control & liaison	KA-1	20	equipped with a 12.7 mm gun pod(FN Herstal HMP-250), chaffes, flares, missiles, rockets or unguided bombs.[1]
Airborne early warning and control
Boeing 737 AEW&C	AEW&C	737-700IGW	4	Peace Eye
Trainer Aircraft
Ilyushin Il-103	primary trainer	T-103	22	23 Il-103 were given by Russia in 2004 as a partial payment of debts incurred during the Soviet era.
KAI KT-1 Woongbi	basic trainer	KT-1	84	ROKAF received a total of 85 KT-1
KAI T-50 Golden Eagle	supersonic advanced trainers aerobatic specialized (LIFT:Lead-In Fighter Training)	T-50 T-50B TA-50	49 9 22	ROKAF received total of 50 T-50s. 1 lost on 28 August 2013. One lost to crash, 2012. Equipped with the Israeli EL/M-2032 radar, the TA-50 is designed to operate as a combat platform capable of employing precision-guided weapons.
Helicopters
Bell 412	trainer(being phased out)	Bell-412SP	4	Used as Presidential Transport(1982~1988)
Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma	Combat Search and Rescue	AS-332 L2	3	Used as Presidential Transport(1988~1999). One lost to crash, 2002.
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk	VIP transport helicopter	VH-60P	5	Used as Presidential Transport(1999~2007)
Sikorsky S-92	VIP transport helicopter	VH-92	3	Used as Presidential Transport(2007~Present)
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk	Combat Search and Rescue	HH-60P	10	Around 150 were license-produced by Korean Air's aerospace division.(130 UH-60P Black Hawk for ROK Army, 8 UH-60P for ROK Navy, 10 HH-60P and 5 VH-60P for ROK Air Force)
Kamov Ka-32 Helix-C	Combat Search and Rescue	HH-32A	7
Boeing CH-47 Chinook	Combat Search and Rescue	HH-47D	6

Air Defense

• 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 Following the establishment of the ROKAF Air Defence Artillery Command as a separate service in 1991, the army began to develop further its own air defense artillery assets (short range SAM, SPAAG and man-portable air-defense systems) in support of ground operations.

Air Defense Weapon	Origin	Type	Versions	In service	Notes
Medium & Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile
Raytheon MIM-104 Patriot	United States	surface-to-air missile	PAC-2 GEM/T	6 batteries	former German Bundeswehr equipment; 48 fire units and 192 missiles
Raytheon MIM-23 Hawk	United States	surface-to-air missile	HAWK-XXI	24 batteries	600 MIM-23K missiles; Integrated with AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel MIM-23 Hawk to be replaced by KM-SAM
KM-SAM	South Korea	surface-to-air missile			The KM-SAM' so-called M-SAM Cheolmae-2 with the help of Russia by the Almaz-Antey Design Bureau, in association with an industry team from Korea lead by Samsung Thales. This team included missile builder LIG Nex1 and platform manufacturer Doosan DST.
Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD)	South Korea	missile defense system			South Korea, which decided not to join the U.S.-led global missile defense(MD) system, has gradually been building an independent, low-tier missile shield called the Korea Air and Missile Defense System (KAMD) since 2006.
Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile
Doosan K-SAM Chunma	South Korea	Short-Range Self-Propelled SAM		100+	Samsung Thales to jointly develop a South Korean-augmented French Crotale NG system for the K-SAM Pegasus, as well as a new indigenous missile by LIG Nex1. The electronics and radars were developed by Samsung Electronics. Doosan DST integrated this modified with a ROKA K-200 IFV hull/chassis AKA the K-21.
Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun (SPAAG)
Doosan K263A1 Chungung	South Korea	Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun		200	K263A1 Chungung, a self-propelled 20mm Vulcan system. It combines an electro-optically guided 20mm gun system with a surveillance radar system on a K200 chassis.
Doosan K30 Biho	South Korea	Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun		176	A K30 Biho system consists of twin 30mm guns, adapts the chassis of the K200 infantry fighting vehicle. The K30 Biho's designs are strikingly similar to the German Flakpanzer Gepard
Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems (MANPADS)
LIG Nex1 KP-SAM Shingung	South Korea	MANPADS		mass production stage(since 2005)	The New Bow (Shingung, Shin-Gung or internationally as the Chiron) is a shoulder-launched missile targeting helicopters, or low-flying fighter and transport aircraft. It has a 7 km maximum target range and flies at a maximum altitude of 3.5 km and maximum speed of Mach 2.1
Mistral	France	MANPADS		400+ launchers 2,760 missiles	2,760 mistrals were purchased from France between 1991 and 1997
9K38 Igla	Russia	MANPADS	SA-18	50 launchers 750 missiles	In late 2003, the delivery of the Igla SAMs from Russia in payment for Russian debts to Korea appear to have solved the problem momentarily.

Former equipment

Aircraft

Aircraft	Introduction	Type	Versions	Notes
Fixed-wing Aircraft
Piper J-3 Cub	1948	Trainer	L-4 Grasshopper	First aircraft operated by Republic of Korea Air Force ROKAF received a total of 20 L-4
North American T-6 Texan	1950	Trainer	T-6 Texan	ROKAF received a total of 10 T-6
North American P-51 Mustang	1950	Fighter	F-51D Mustang	ROKAF received a total of 203 F-51D
Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando	1955	Transport		ROKAF received a total of 28 C-46
Douglas C-47 Skytrain	1955	Transport		ROKAF received a total of 15 C-47
North American F-86 Sabre	1955	Fighter Reconnaissance	F-86F Sabre RF-86F Sabre	ROKAF received a total of 112 F-86F and 10 RF-86F All F-86F retired by 1990
Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star	1955	Trainer Reconnaissance	T-33A Shooting Star RT-33A Shooting Star	ROKAF received a total of 9 T-33A and 4 RT-33A All T-33A retired by 1992
North American T-28 Trojan	1960	Trainer	T-28A Trojan	ROKAF received a total of 33 T-28A All T-28 retired by 1989
North American F-86D Sabre	1961	Fighter	F-86D Sabre	ROKAF received a total of 50 F-86D All F-86D retired by 1972
Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter	1965	Fighter Fighter-trainer Reconnaissance	F-5A Freedom Fighter F-5B Freedom Fighter RF-5A Freedom Fighter	ROKAF received a total of 88 F-5A, 30 F-5B, and 8 RF-5A 36 F-5A and 8 RF-5A were donated to Republic of Vietnam 5 RF-5A were brought back from Republic of Vietnam after its fall All F-5A/B retired by 2005 8 F-5A were donated to the Philippines
Douglas C-54 Skymaster	1966	Transport		ROKAF received a total of 17 C-54 All C-54 retired by 1992
McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II	1969	Fighter-bomber	F-4D Phantom II	ROKAF received a total of 92 F-4D All F-4D retired by 2010
Grumman S-2 Tracker	1970	ASW aircraft	S-2A Tracker	ROKAF transferred the aircraft to ROKN in 1976 ROKAF and ROKN received a total of 26 S-2A
Cessna T-41 Mescalero	1972	Trainer	T-41B Mescalero	ROKAF received a total of 27 T-41B All T-41B retired by 2006 15 T-41B were donated to Philippines
Cessna T-37 Tweet	1973	Trainer	T-37C Tweet	ROKAF received a total of 55 (30 ex-Brazil) T-37C All T-37C retired by 2004
Fairchild C-123 Provider	1973	Transport	C-123K Provider	ROKAF received a total of 22 C-123 All C-123K retired by 1994
Cessna O-2 Skymaster	1974	FAC aircraft	O-2A Skymater	All O-2A retired by 2006
Cessna A-37 Dragonfly	1976	Light attacker	A-37B Dragonfly	ROKAF received a total of 20 A-37B All A-37B retired by 2007 8 A-37B were donated to Peru
Northrop T-38 Talon	1999	Trainer	T-38A Talon	ROKAF leased a total of 30 T-38A from the United States All T-38A were returned to the United States by 2009
BAE Hawk	1992	Trainer	T-59 (Hawk 67)	ROKAF received a total of 20 BAE Hawk All BAE Hawk retired by 2013
Rotary-wing Aircraft
Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw	1958	Search and Rescue	H-19D	All H-19D retired by 1976
Bell UH-1 Iroquois	1968 1971, 1977	Search and Rescue Presidential Transport	UH-1B UH-1N	All UH-1B retired by 1994 All UH-1N retired by 2005

Military ranks

Officer ranks can be learned fairly easily if one sees the pattern. "So" equals small; "Jung" equals medium; "Dae" equals large. "Jun" equals the prefix sub-.. Each of these is coupled with "wi" equals company grade, "ryeong" equals field grade, and "jang" equals general. This system is due to the hanja or Sino-Korean origin of the names.

Commissioned officers

ROK Air Force rank	ROK Air Force insignia
Dae-jang (General)
Jung-jang (Lieutenant General)
So-jang (Major General)
Jun-jang (Brigadier General)
Dae-ryeong (Colonel)
Jung-ryeong (Lieutenant Colonel)
So-ryeong (Major)
Dae-wi (Captain)
Jung-wi (First Lieutenant)
So-wi (Second Lieutenant)

Warrant officers

ROK Air Force rank	ROK Air Force insignia
Jun-wi (Warrant Officer)	²

Non-commissioned officers

ROK Air Force rank	ROK Air Force insignia
Won-sa (Chief Master Sergeant)
Sang-sa (Senior Master Sergeant)
Jung-sa (Master Sergeant)
Ha-sa (Technical Sergeant)

Enlisted

ROK Air Force rank	ROK Air Force insignia
Byeong-jang (Staff Sergeant)
Sang-byeong (Senior Airman)
Il-byeong (Airman First Class)
I-byeong (Airman)
Shinbyeong (Airman Basic)

¹: No one held the rank of Won-su in the history of the ROK Armed Forces yet.
²: The Jun-wi (Warrant Officer)'s insignia is in brass color while the ones of Second Lieutenant and higher are in silver color.

See also

• Military of South Korea
• Korean People's Army Air Force
• List of Korean Military Aircraft

External links

• ROK Air Force official website (Korean / English)
• Korea Aerospace Industries(KAI) official website (Korean / English)
• Foxmouse Airbase (Korean)
• ROKAF (Republic of Korean Korea Air Force)