US delivers first F-35 stealth fighter to South Korea

South Korea and the United States on March 28 held a ceremony to launch the first F-35A stealth fighter jet provided by Washington to Seoul at the Lockheed Martin assembly plant in Fort Worth, Texas, according toYonhap.

South Korean Vice Defense Minister Suh Choo-suk led the Seoul delegation to the event, while the US side was attended by Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Ellen Lord and Vice Admiral Mat Winter, who is in charge of the F-35 program.

This is the first of 40 F-35A fighters that South Korea agreed to buy under a contract in 2014 and is also Seoul's first fighter jet capable of avoiding radar detection. These fifth-generation fighters are expected to play a key role in South Korea's defense against the threat from North Korea.

"With excellent stealth capabilities, the F-35 will contribute greatly to deterrence because it can penetrate any location to launch an attack," said a representative of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

The F-35 is a 5th generation multi-role fighter that can carry out attacks on land, at sea and also reconnaissance missions. The F-35 is considered the backbone in the development of the US's future fighter aircraft thanks to its advanced stealth mechanism. This stealth fighter also shows its advantage with its ability to refuel in the air, helping to maximize its range of operations.