South Korea receives first batch of F-35A fighter jets, angering North Korea

A South Korean military official said the first two fighter jets would be "deployed in April or May" and the other 10 would be ready by the end of the year.

South Korea is among several US allies buying the F-35A. Photo: Reuters

"By the end of 2021, all 40 F-35A fighter jets will be deployed and ready for combat as planned," the official said. The F-35A is a radar-evading aircraft that can conduct ground attack missions and has superior air superiority with a range of precision weapons. This creates a significant advantage over neighboring North Korea's outdated air defense system and combat aircraft fleet.

However, it is unclear whether South Korea will hold a large-scale F-35A acceptance ceremony in March. It is possible that Seoul will consider holding a small-scale ceremony to avoid provoking Pyongyang, after months of efforts by the two countries to restore friendly relations.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Photo: Getty

Still, South Korea is pushing ahead with a 2019-2023 midterm defense project known as "Defense Reform 2.0" to help counter potential threats from North Korea and elsewhere.

The South Korean Defense Ministry plans to spend 32 trillion won ($28.6 billion) over the five-year period, 30 percent more than the previous five-year period. The program includes F-35As, surface-to-surface guided missiles, upgraded Patriot air defense missile systems and enhanced surveillance and attack capabilities of other assets.

Last month, South Korean President Moon Jae-in called for strengthening “defense capabilities,” despite ongoing talks with North Korea.

"Peace is being established on the Korean Peninsula, but this is only temporary peace," Moon Jae-in stressed, warning the military not to let down its guard.