According to information published on April 27, 2025 by the South Korean newspaper Korea JoongAng Daily, the US is considering the possibility of permanently stationing F-35A Lightning II fighters at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea. The move would significantly strengthen US air capabilities on the Korean Peninsula, which currently relies heavily on the F-16 fleet.
Although the F-35s have only been present in the region so far during joint military exercises, a permanent deployment would represent a turning point in one of the world's most volatile geopolitical locations.
Multiple sources close to the plans confirmed to Korean media that the permanent deployment of up to 20 F-35A aircraft to Kunsan is being considered. This would significantly supplement the existing arsenal of the South Korean Air Force, which already has 40 F-35As - purchased under a contract worth $ 6.8 billion since 2014.
A US Air Force official confirmed that this is a "serious move", but added that a final decision has not yet been made.
The potential deployment of the F-35A is part of a broader and long-term US military presence in South Korea, where about 28,500 American soldiers are currently stationed under the Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries, OruzjeoOnline added.
The US Army's Eighth Army, based at Camp Humphreys, consists of the 2nd Infantry Division, which defends the approaches to Seoul, with the support of the most advanced weapons - M1A2 Abrams tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles, Apache helicopters, HIMARS systems and Patriot missile batteries.
F-35 in South Korea! Is a clash with the North and China imminent?
A US Air Force official confirmed that this is a serious move, but added that the final decision has not yet been made
Apr 30, 2025 15:33 30
