Republic of Korea Air Force

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is a technologically advanced and capable military service that plays a critical role in South Korea's comprehensive defense strategy. With North Korea as its immediate and primary concern, the ROKAF is built around the need for a strong, agile, and technologically superior force capable of defending South Korean airspace, conducting precision strikes, and supporting ground and naval operations.

The ROKAF's fleet is among the most modern in Asia, featuring an array of advanced aircraft such as the F-35A Lightning II, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and domestically-produced FA-50 light attack fighters. Its investment in the F-35 program underscores its commitment to maintaining air superiority over the Korean Peninsula, especially considering the technological disparities with North Korea’s aging air fleet.

Regionally, South Korea's air capabilities far surpass those of North Korea but are designed to integrate seamlessly with U.S. forces, given the longstanding military alliance between the United States and South Korea. This interoperability enhances the ROKAF's combat effectiveness and provides a layered and robust defense strategy, fortified by joint exercises, shared military infrastructure, and aligned command structures.

In addition to its focus on air superiority and ground support, the ROKAF has been expanding its capabilities in other domains like intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). It is investing in early-warning systems, advanced radar technologies, and UAVs to bolster its situational awareness and operational readiness.

Training is a strong suit for the ROKAF, with an emphasis on highly realistic and rigorous exercises. These often involve complex scenarios and are regularly conducted in conjunction with U.S. and other allied forces, ensuring that the ROKAF maintains high levels of readiness and tactical proficiency.

However, the ROKAF faces challenges that are geopolitical in nature. The evolving military capabilities of neighboring China and Russia, both of which have interests in the Korean Peninsula, make for a complex and fluid strategic landscape. Moreover, South Korea’s increasing defense budget and modernization efforts have not erased the ongoing threat of North Korea’s unconventional warfare tactics, including its ballistic missile program and special operations forces.

Key facts

Official Name	Republic of Korea Air Force
Local Name	공군 (Gong-gun)
Country	🇰🇷 South Korea
World rank	#5
Active aircrafts	1602 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	593
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	739
Combat aircrafts	500
Training	288
Transport	41
Special missions	30
Tankers	4

Aircrafts most used by South Korean air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
MD-500	273	American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications.
F-16 Fighting Falcon	167	American multirole fighter, famed in late Cold War conflicts, renowned for performance in precision daytime strikes and defensive counter air operations.
F-5E Tiger II	156	American fighter jet, used in the Cold War era, notable for its worldwide military deployments, including operation Desert Storm.
T-50 Golden Eagle	142	South Korean supersonic trainer jet, utilized since 2005 with notable deployment in Iraq and the Philippines.
UH-60 Black Hawk	130	American utility helicopter, renowned for service in Iraq and Afghanistan, extensively employed for troop transport and medical evacuation.
KUH-1 Surion	117	South Korean utility helicopter, utilized mainly for troop transportation and medevac, active in military operations since 2013.
KT-1 Woongbi	103	South Korean trainer aircraft, noteworthy for domestic design and production, used primarily for flight training since the late 1990s.
AH-1 Cobra	76	American attack helicopter, distinguished for its service in the Vietnam War, designed for rapid frontline response and anti-armor operation.
F-4 Phantom II	69	American fighter-bomber, renowned for its widespread use in the Vietnam War and numerous other international military conflicts.
F-15E Strike Eagle	59	American all-weather multirole strike fighter, prominent in the Gulf War for precision strike and deep interdiction missions.

Full inventory in 2024