The U.S. 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. State Department has approved on November 19, 2024, the possible sale of parts and components to South Korea to upgrade the country’s F-15K Raptor fleet. The plan, expected to cost $6.2 billion, follows a decision to launch a program to upgrade the aircraft in 2022.
The Grand Slam Eagles are the backbone of the team Republic of Korea Air ForceA multi-role mission of the South Korean Air Force (ROKAF) with a special “hard-hit” long-range strike role. According to available data, the country operates 59 of the 61 F-15Ks, originally deployed in 2005. In 2022, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) approved the launch of an upgrade program scheduled to operate from 2024 to 2034.
In particular, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) FMS notification The upgrade requires many components, including 96 Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCP II) mission system computers, 70 AN/APG-82(v)1 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, 70 70 AN/ALQ -250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) electronic warfare (EW) suites and 70 AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning System (CMWS).
In addition to this, South Korea will receive modification and maintenance support, aircraft parts and spares, consumables, training aids and the entire support package typically associated with flight management systems. Interestingly, the notice also included air refueling Therefore, it is at least possible to ship the initial aircraft to the United States for modification before the remaining aircraft are modified domestically.
Potential sale of components would enable ROKAF to upgrade its entire F-15K fleet to a configuration similar to the new F-15K F-15EX Eagle II Currently being delivered to the U.S. 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 need some structural modifications to add blisters on either side of the canopy rails where the sensors are mounted.
“The proposed arms sales will improve South Korea’s ability to counter current and future threats, enhance its critical air defense capabilities, deter aggression in the region, and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces,” DSCA said in an official notification.
The F-15K upgrade is part of a broader modernization of the South Korean Air Force’s fighter fleet. In fact, the service is also upgrading its KF-16s Block 52 to the V configuration, integrating a new AESA radar, mission computer, and self-protection suite, with work expected to be completed by 2025. These programs are complementary to the F-type fighter procurement. -35 Lightning II and KF-21 Borame.
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 its components manufactured locally. The aircraft emerged as the winner against the Rafale in the FX fighter program, typhoon and the 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 equipped with Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines.
The name Slam Eagle comes from the F-15K’s ability to use the AGM-84H SLAM-ER standoff cruise missile, Taurus KEPD 350K This is another weapon exclusive to ROKAF jets. The F-15K is a fully multi-role aircraft considered one of the key assets of the South Korean Armed Forces.
Since the average age of the aircraft is 16 years and it is expected to be in service until 2060, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) launched the F-15K upgrade plan in 2022. The upgrade, expected to take place between 2024 and 2034, is dedicated to enhancing the jet’s mission capabilities and survivability.
F-15K currently operates three squadrons Daegu air baselocated in the southeast of the country. Although the base is far from the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), F-15Ks equipped with SLAM-ER and KEPD 350 missiles can still hit strategic targets deep along the North Korean border.
new features
It is unclear whether the F-15K will be equipped with a new cockpit, as its configuration will be similar to that of the Eagle II. In fact, F-15EX Featuring an all-glass cockpit, both front and rear cockpits feature 10×19-inch touchscreen multi-function color displays and JHMCS II, front low-profile HUD, standby display and dedicated engine, fuel and hydraulic displays, in addition to the standard warning/warning Lights, switches and Hand Throttle Stick (HOTAS) controls outside.
Either way, the systems will be powered by the Advanced Display Core Processor II, reportedly the fastest mission computer ever installed on a fighter jet, and Combat Flight Program Suite 9.1X, the fastest mission computer ever installed on a fighter jet. Customized variant of Suite 9 used. F-15C and F-15Edesigned to ensure full interoperability of the new aircraft with the old Eagle.
The F-15K will be equipped with the new AN/APG-82(V)1 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The radar is developed from the F-15C’s APG-63(V)3 AESA radar and the F/A-18E/F’s APG-79 AESA radar, and can simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple air targets. It can detect ground targets at longer distances than mechanical radar, facilitating continuous target observation and information sharing, allowing for a better decision-making process.
this AN/ALQ-250 EPAWSS It will provide the F-15 with a full range of electronic warfare capabilities, including radar warning, geolocation, situational awareness and self-protection. Chaff and flare capacity will be increased by 50%, and four launchers will be added to the EPAWSS fairings behind the tail fins (two per fairing), for a total of 12 launchers capable of holding 360 cartridges.
EPAWSS is fully integrated with radar warning, geolocation, and enhanced chaff and flare capabilities to detect and defeat ground and air threats in signal-dense and contested environments. Because of this, the system is able to achieve freedom of maneuver and penetrate deeply into battlefields protected by modern integrated air defense systems.
this AN/AAR-57CMWS is a UV-based missile warning system that is part of an integrated infrared countermeasures suite that utilizes five sensors to display accurate threat locations and distribute decoys/countermeasures. Although CMWS originally entered service in 2005, BAE Systems continues to customize the algorithms to adapt to new threats, and CMWS is now in its third generation.
