Korean Air Wins Contract for F-16 Life Extension and Overhaul Projects for US Forces in Korea and Japan

Approximately 290 Billion KRW Over 10 Years

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Korean Air announced on the 26th that it has secured a contract from the U.S. Department of Defense for the life extension and overhaul project of F-16 fighter jets deployed to U.S. forces in South Korea and Japan. The project period is about 10 years, from this month until September 2030, with a project scale of approximately 290 billion KRW.

The F-16 model, developed in 1972, has served as the main aircraft of the U.S. Air Force stationed in the Asia-Pacific region to date. The life extension project carried out by Korean Air involves reliability verification of the airframe and major wing components of the F-16 fighter jets, disassembly, inspection, corrosion protection treatment, and replacement of main structures to extend the aircraft's lifespan by about 4,000 hours.

Korean Air has been performing overhaul projects for the U.S. military since 1978, starting with the U.S. Air Force's F-4, and has conducted overhaul and performance upgrades for fighters, transport aircraft, and other helicopters such as the F-15, F-16, C-130, and A-10. In particular, Korean Air has performed overhauls on 860 F-16 units to date.

Korean Air stated, "Through this contract, we have further enhanced the reliability of our aircraft manufacturing and maintenance capabilities," adding, "Based on this, we have laid the foundation for expanding military aircraft performance upgrades and additional maintenance projects."