[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] This Is How the F-15K Performance Upgrade Is Done

On-site Report from Boeing's Seattle Factory in the USA

Our Air Force introduced the F-15K from Boeing, USA, through the 1st and 2nd phases of the next-generation fighter (F-X) acquisition project between 2005 and 2010. It has served as the main fighter jet protecting our airspace, but over time, its avionics and other systems have become outdated. During combined ROK-US exercises, interoperability issues with US military equipment caused operational difficulties.

Rob Novotny, Executive Director at F-15 Business Development, gave a briefing on the F-15EX at a hotel in Arizona, USA, on Thursday, the 30th of last month. (Photo by Joint Press Corps of the Ministry of National Defense)

Accordingly, at the end of last year, the 148th Defense Acquisition Program Promotion Committee (DAPPC) reviewed and approved the basic strategy plan for the ‘F-15K Performance Upgrade Project.’ The F-15K upgrade is divided into three major areas: radar installation, enhancement of cockpit display functions, and installation of new electronic warfare equipment. The upgrade will begin next year, with a total project cost of 3.46 trillion KRW.

On the 29th of last month, Boeing explained the upgrade process to a group of reporters from the Ministry of National Defense at the Boeing Mesa facility.

Robert Novotny, Executive Director of F-15 Air Superiority Business Development, said, "This is expected to be an upgrade project focused on the front section of the fighter jet," adding, "The rear section of the F-15K is well maintained and will not be included in this project." He also stated, "We considered replacing parts such as the radar, but research conducted by KIDA concluded that replacing the entire front section of the airframe is the most efficient approach."

Three performance upgrades including cockpit display enhancement through 2034

The Air Force’s F-15K upgrade project will proceed by removing the entire upper front section of the airframe, including the cockpit and radar, and replacing it with a new section equipped with advanced systems. Since the airframe is connected in an assembled form between the front and rear sections, it is literally possible to detach the part just behind the cockpit and the area where the wings begin.

A Boeing official said, "The ROK-US alliance has agreed on this approach and is conducting final discussions." He added, "This will enable the aircraft to fly farther and better," and "Interoperability with US Air Force fighters during combined air operations is expected to improve significantly."