Seattle, February 3 - Boeing has secured a significant $2.8 billion contract to upgrade South Korea's fleet of F-15K Slam Eagle fighter jets, marking a major milestone in the Republic of Korea Air Force's (ROKAF) efforts to enhance its air superiority and strike capabilities. Announced by the U.S. Department of Defense on January 30, 2026, the agreement was awarded through the Foreign Military Sales program, with the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center serving as the contracting authority on behalf of South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration. Valued at up to $2,805,961,005, the hybrid cost-plus-fixed-fee and fixed-priced incentive contract includes an initial obligation of $540 million, fully funded by South Korea. This deal underscores Boeing's enduring role as the prime contractor for the F-15 platform and strengthens defense cooperation between the United States and South Korea amid evolving regional security dynamics.
The contract focuses on the design and development of an integrated suite of advanced aircraft systems to support comprehensive modifications to the F-15K fleet. South Korea operates approximately 60 F-15K Slam Eagles, a customized variant of the F-15E Strike Eagle tailored for multirole missions, including deep-strike operations. The upgrades aim to modernize avionics, mission systems, and other critical subsystems, aligning the aircraft's performance more closely with contemporary standards seen in advanced fighters like the U.S. Air Force's F-15EX Eagle II. Work under the agreement will primarily take place at Boeing's facilities in St. Louis, Missouri, ensuring access to cutting-edge engineering and integration expertise essential for such complex enhancements.
This modernization initiative follows prior U.S. approvals for related F-15K improvements, including advanced radars, electronic warfare capabilities, and support equipment. By incorporating state-of-the-art technologies, the program will extend the operational relevance of South Korea's F-15K aircraft well into the 2030s and beyond, enabling the ROKAF to maintain a credible deterrent posture. The upgrades will improve situational awareness, weapon integration, and overall combat effectiveness, allowing pilots to address a wider range of threats with greater precision and survivability.
The long-term project is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2037, providing a decade-long roadmap for phased development, testing, and implementation. This Boeing F-15K upgrade contract not only bolsters South Korea's air defense modernization but also reinforces the strategic partnership between the two nations in aerospace and military aviation. As regional challenges persist, investments in proven platforms like the F-15K ensure sustained readiness and interoperability with allied forces.