The United States military is considering the permanent deployment of advanced F-35A fighter jets to South Korea, aiming to significantly bolster American air power on the Korean Peninsula.
According to reports from South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, if the plan proceeds, it would mark a major upgrade to the current US aerial assets in South Korea, which largely consist of older-generation F-16 fighter jets.
Until now, F-35 aircraft have only been temporarily stationed in South Korea for joint military exercises.
The US military is developing a strategy to station F-35A jets permanently at Kunsan Air Base. The initial phase would involve deploying one squadron, with the potential for an additional squadron to be rotated as needed.
Typically, a squadron consists of about 20 aircraft.
In July of the previous year, the US 7th Air Force in South Korea transferred nine F-16 fighter jets from Kunsan Air Base to Osan Air Base, establishing a super squadron of 31 combat aircraft at Osan.
The F-35A is renowned for its stealth technology, enabling it to penetrate deep into enemy territory without detection. South Korea currently operates 39 F-35A jets and plans to procure 20 more as part of its military modernization strategy.
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