Korea to build F-35 fighter jet maintenance facility at Cheongju air base

South Korea will build its own maintenance facility for its F-35A stealth jets by 2027, a move that would enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs, the state arms procurement agency said Thursday.

South Korea's Air Force currently operates a fleet of 39 F-35As at an air base in Cheongju. One jet retired last year due to damage from a bird strike.

In December, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) signed a letter of acceptance with the U.S. government to procure an additional 20 jets, scheduled for delivery beginning in 2027.

DAPA said the second phase of the F-35A procurement deal includes provisions for South Korea to establish its own facility for heavy airframe maintenance, repairs, overhauls, upgrades and stealth coating.

"[This facility] will eliminate the need for long-term overseas maintenance, thereby reducing aircraft downtime, as well as operational and maintenance costs," DAPA vice spokesperson You Hyoung-keun said during a regular press briefing.

"We plan to have the maintenance capabilities by the end of 2027," You added.

South Korea will be the third country in the Asia-Pacific to have an F-35 maintenance facility, following Australia and Japan.

The United States has permitted South Korea to conduct minor maintenance on the F-35As to address security concerns, while major maintenance has been delegated to a regional repair base in Japan.

The F-35A is a key asset for the South Korean military due to its high-performance radar and stealth capabilities, enabling it to carry out long-range strategic strikes without being detected by the enemy.

Yonhap