US approves sale of upgraded South Korean F-15K to foreign military

The State Department has approved a possible sale of components that would allow South Korea to upgrade its F-15K Slam Eagle fleet to a configuration similar to the F-15EX Eagle II.

The U.S. Department of State approved on November 19, 2024, a possible Foreign Forces Sale (FMS) to the Republic of Korea of ​​components that will modernize the F-15K Slam Eagle fleet. The package, with an estimated cost of $6.2 billion, follows a decision to launch a modernization program for the aircraft in 2022.

Slam Eagles are the backbone of the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) multi-role missions, serving a specific “heavy” long-range strike role. The country reportedly has 59 F-15Ks out of 61 originally introduced into service in 2005. In 2022, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) approved the launch of a modernization program scheduled to run from 2024 to 2034.

Specifically, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) FMS notice states that a number of components have been requested for the upgrade, including 96 Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCP II) mission system computers, 70 AN/APG-82( v)1 Active. Electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, seventy 70 AN/ALQ-250 Eagle electronic warfare (EW) systems with passive active warning system (EPAWSS) and 70 AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS).

In addition to this, South Korea will also receive modifications and maintenance support, aircraft components and spare parts, consumables, training manuals and the entire support package typically associated with an FMS. It’s interesting to note that the notice also includes in-flight refueling support and aircraft ferrying, so it’s possible that at least the initial aircraft will be flown to the United States for modifications before the rest are modified domestically.

The components included in the potential sale will allow ROKAF to upgrade its entire F-15K fleet to a configuration similar to the new F-15EX Eagle II currently being delivered to the US Air Force. Interestingly, the Korean configuration will also include a CMWS that is not currently installed on the EX, so the F-15K will also require some structural modifications to add blisters on each side of the canopy rail where the sensors are mounted.

“The proposed sale will improve the Republic of Korea’s ability to counter current and future threats by enhancing its critical air defense capabilities to deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces,” the DSCA said in a formal notice.

The F-15K modernization is part of a broader modernization of the ROKAF fighter fleet. In fact, the service is also upgrading its KF-16 Block 52 to V configuration, integrating a new AESA radar, mission computer, self-defense suite, with work expected to be completed by 2025. These programs complement the acquisition of the F. -35 Lightning II and KF-21 Boramae.

F-15K

The F-15K is a variant of the F-15E Strike Eagle built for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), with almost half of the components produced locally. The aircraft was the winner of the FX fighter program against the Rafale, Typhoon and Su-35 in 2002, resulting in an order for 40 F-15s powered by General Electric F110-129 engines. In 2005, a second order was signed for 21 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines.

The name Slam Eagle comes from the F-15K’s ability to use AGM-84H SLAM-ER stand-off cruise missiles, and the Taurus KEPD 350K is another weapon exclusive to the ROKAF aircraft. The F-15K is used as a fully multi-role aircraft and is considered one of the key assets of the Korean military.

With the average age of the aircraft being 16 years and expected to remain in service until 2060, the Defense Acquisition Program Agency (DAPA) launched the F-15K modernization program in 2022. The modernization, expected to last from 2024 to 2034, aims to improve the aircraft’s combat capabilities and survivability.

The F-15K currently equips three squadrons at Daegu Air Base in the southeast of the country. Despite being based far from the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the F-15K with its SLAM-ER and KEPD 350 missiles can still strike strategic targets deep beyond North Korea’s borders.

New features

It is unclear whether the F-15K will receive a new cabin, as its configuration will be similar to the Eagle II. In fact, the F-15EX features an all-glass cockpit, equipped with a 10×19-inch multi-function color touchscreen display and JHMCS II in both the front and rear cockpit, a low-profile HUD in the front, a standby display and a dedicated Engine, Fuel and Hydraulics Display, in addition to the standard warning lights, switches and manual throttle control (HOTAS).

In any case, the systems will run on the Advanced Display Core II processor, which is said to be the fastest combat computer ever installed on a fighter aircraft, and Operational Flight Program Suite 9.1X, a modified version of Suite 9 used on the F -15C. and the F-15E, designed to ensure full compatibility of the new aircraft with the “legacy Eagles.”

The F-15K will be equipped with the new AN/APG-82(V)1 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The radar, based on the APG-63(V)3 AESA radar on the F-15C and the AESA APG-79 radar on the F/A-18E/F, can simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple aircraft. and surface targets at longer ranges compared to mechanical radars, facilitating continuous target surveillance and information sharing for better decision-making.

The AN/ALQ-250 EPAWSS will provide the F-15 with a full range of electronic warfare capabilities, including radar warning, geolocation, situational awareness and self-protection. Straw and flare capacity will be increased by 50% with the addition of four more dispensers in EPAWSS fairings behind the tail fin (two for each fairing), for a total of 12 dispensers holding 360 rounds.

EPAWSS is fully integrated with radar warning, geolocation and advanced countermeasures and flare capabilities to detect and engage surface and airborne threats in high signal density and highly competitive environments. Thanks to this, the system provides freedom of maneuver and deeper penetration into combat spaces protected by modern integrated air defense systems.

The AN/AAR-57 CMWS is an ultraviolet missile warning system, part of an integrated infrared countermeasures suite, using five sensors to display the precise location of a threat and deploy decoys and countermeasures. Although CMWS was originally introduced in 2005, BAE Systems has continually tweaked the algorithms to adapt to new threats, and CMWS has now reached its third generation.