The first Republic of Korea Air Force F-35A rolled out of the Fort Worth production facility in the US last week.
“Today is a truly meaningful day as we celebrate the roll-out of ROKAF’s first F-35A, the world’s best fighter jet, which will secure the sovereign airspace of the Republic of Korea,” the Republic of Korea’s Minister of Defense Song Young-moo said in a previously recorded message.
“The deployment of the F-35 will serve as momentum to enhance the combined operations of the ROK-U.S. Air Forces, and advance ROKAF’s support capabilities for ground operations.”
The ceremony was attended by more than 450 guests, including five members of the Republic of Korea National Assembly Defense Committee, as well as Suh, Choo-suk, vice minister of National Defense; and Lt. Gen. Lee, Seong-yong, vice chief of staff of the ROKAF.
“This is a major step forward for our F-35 Enterprise and our ROKAF partners as we deliver Korea’s first F-35, the first of six F-35 aircraft that will be delivered this year,” said Vice Adm. Mat Winter, F-35 Program Executive Officer.
“The F-35A is a game-changing capability that will enable the South Korean Forces to operate side-by-side with our U.S. Forces in protecting your nation’s homeland. I extend my personal congratulations to the combined government and industry team in achieving this milestone.”
“We are proud to support the Republic of Korea with the unrivalled 5th Generation F-35,” said Marillyn Hewson, Lockheed Martin chairman, president and CEO.
“We know that it will be a symbol of strength reminding us all that when we partner together, our nations are safer, our people are more secure, and our future is brighter.”
According to Lockheed:
“The F-35 is the most advanced, survivable and connected fighter aircraft in the world. The F-35’s ability to collect, analyse and share data is a powerful force multiplier enhancing all airborne, surface and ground-based assets in the battlespace and enabling men and women in uniform to execute their mission and come home safe. To date, Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 280 F-35s, trained more than 580 pilots and 5,600 maintainers, and the F-35 fleet has surpassed more than 130,000 cumulative flight hours.”
What was the last twin tailed fast jet operated by the RAF?
Cannot think of one?
The Vampire perhaps??
Ahhhh, yes name sounds familiar. Air Defence jet from 50’s?
Will look it up.
There were two I think, Vampire and the RN’s Sea Vixen. However, they were called twin boom rather than ‘V’ tail, which is fitted to F35.
The de Havilland Venom was in service after the Vampire, which most of its design was derived from. Very beautiful aircraft too.
the fuel injection version of the sopwith- the stealth version£t en pounds each.
The F35 really does look amazing, I hope we order more than just the original 138 especially with the purchase price dropping below $80mm for the A variant.
if hank’the yank soesn’t build our faster, the order for 138 will be cut.
BB85 the MOD really needs to commit to purchasing enough F35Bs to equip carriers and provide carrier strike. So 96 in active service as a minimum.
order 72 f35b for the fleet air arm and 48 f35a for the RAF I say
amalgamate the flet air arm and R.A.F should have been done years ago, does the nation really need to operate two air services?