[2023 National Audit] Air Force to Add Stealth Fighters to Strengthen 'Kill Chain'

Air Force Headquarters, National Assembly National Defense Committee Audit Work Report

The Air Force announced plans to strengthen its 'Kill Chain' capability to preemptively strike enemy nuclear and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) through the 'F-X Phase 2 Project,' which includes acquiring additional high-performance stealth fighters. Furthermore, by 2040, it aims to establish a 'manned-unmanned combat flight system' based on domestically developed fighter jets.

On the afternoon of the 23rd, during the National Assembly Defense Committee's Air Force Headquarters audit held at Gyeryongdae in Chungnam, the Air Force reported plans to enhance its capabilities in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. The F-X Phase 2 Project involves procuring high-performance stealth fighters from overseas that align with the trends in fighter development and future battlefield operational concepts. Additionally, the Air Force plans to prioritize establishing a complex multi-layered missile defense system centered on the Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system, including the medium-range surface-to-air missile (M-SAM Block III) with simultaneous engagement capability and the long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM II).

On the 17th, the domestically produced supersonic fighter jet KF-21 was unveiled at the 'Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2023' held at Seoul Airport in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Considering advancements in cutting-edge scientific technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and changes in the battlefield environment, the Air Force envisions developing a manned-unmanned fighter complex system based on the domestically produced supersonic fighter KF-21. This manned-unmanned fighter complex system is regarded as a 'game changer' for future battlefields.

An Air Force official explained this system as "a concept where one to two manned fighters control four to eight AI-equipped unmanned fighters to carry out missions," adding, "It enables unpredictable mission execution, wide-area surveillance using multiple unmanned aircraft, and precision strikes on numerous targets." The official further elaborated, "Since a small number of human resources operate a large number of air assets, combat power can be efficiently exerted, and unmanned fighters can support pilots' situational awareness during intense combat." The Air Force plans to develop unmanned aircraft based on the KF-21 as well.

On the 17th, the domestically produced supersonic fighter jet KF-21 was unveiled at the 'Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2023' held at Seoul Airport in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Air Force Chief of Staff Jeong Sang-hwa assessed in his opening remarks, "North Korea is advancing its nuclear and missile capabilities while strengthening military cooperation with Russia, making the security situation on the Korean Peninsula extremely severe." He continued, "The Air Force maintains a firm military readiness posture capable of immediate response and strong retaliation against any provocation from North Korea," emphasizing, "Going forward, the Air Force will build a powerful aerospace force considering the changing defense and security environment and take the lead in fostering a healthy military culture with established discipline."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.