The United States has signed a $2.8 billion contract with Boeing to upgrade South Korea’s fleet of F-15K Slam Eagle fighters.
According to a report by Defence Blog, the modernization will be carried out under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and aims to maintain and enhance the aircraft’s combat capabilities.
Under the contract, launched by the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Boeing will be responsible for designing and developing an integrated onboard systems package, including updates to the avionics and computing architecture of the aircraft.
Although the full list of subcontractors has not been disclosed, similar programs have typically included the installation of new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, enhanced electronic warfare systems, and modern secure communications equipment.
A key part of the program is ensuring interoperability between the F-15K and the fifth-generation F-35A fighters. The upgraded electronics will enable the aircraft to operate within a shared information environment, with the F-15K serving as the primary carrier of missile and bomb payloads, complementing the stealth capabilities of newer platforms during joint operations.
The modernization work will take place at Boeing‘s facilities in St. Louis, Missouri (U.S.), and is expected to continue until December 31, 2037. The program is expected to enable South Korea to operate its F-15K fleet until the mid-2030s and beyond.
Photo: ROKAF. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
