South Korea retires its last F-4 Phantom fighters

Jets began to be received in the late 60s and will be replaced by the F-35 and KF-21
ROKAF F-4 Phantom farewell
ROKAF F-4 Phantom farewell (ROKAF)

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) held a farewell ceremony for its last F-4 Phantom fighters on June 7.

Developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing), the Phantom was a fighter originally intended for the US Navy, but which also operated in the Air Force.

The ROKAF received its first F-4Ds in 1969 and eight years later introduced the more modern and capable F-4Es, which were retired this year.

Follow Air Data News: WhatsApp | Google News | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook

The Asian country also flew the RF-4C, for reconnaissance, from 1989, but it was written off in 2014. The F-4D had already left service in 2010.

The plan is for the F-4s to be replaced by around 60 5th generation F-35 fighters and 120 locally developed KF-21 Boramae. The remaining F-5 Tiger IIs will also be retired with the Phantoms.

ROKAF F-4 Phantom farewell (ROKAF)

To mark the farewell to the iconic supersonic jet, ROKAF applied retroactive camouflages and inscriptions marking the historic moment.

South Korea is the last operator of the F-4 Phantom in Asia-Pacific after Japan retired its aircraft in 2020. Before that, Australia even flew the aircraft through leasing, but only until 1973 when the first F-111 were delivered.

The ROKAF operated around 220 F-4s of the three variants, but fewer than 20 aircraft were recently active.

The Phantom, however, continues to fly in Turkey, Greece and possibly Iran, despite US economic sanctions.

Previous Post
The first BelugaXL enters in service

Sixth and final BelugaXL enters service with Airbus

Next Post
MC-21-310 test aircraft

Aeroflot considers replacing orders for SJ100 and Tu-214 with more MC-21 airliners

Related Posts