한국군, 첫 5세대전투기 F-35A 출고식 거행.

U.S. and Republic of Korea Officials Celebrate Debut of the Republic of Korea’s First F-35A

한국공군의 첫 5세대 전투기 F-35A 출고식이 2018년 3월 28일 미국 록히드마틴 공장이 있는 텍사스 포트워스에서 양국 관계관 450여명이 참석한 가운데 성대히 거행되었다. 한국공군은 2019년부터 40대의 F-35A를 보유하게 됨으로써 명실공히 막강한 첨단 스텔스전투기를 운용하는 선진 공군으로 발돋움하게 됐다.

5세대 전투기라 함은 초음속 다목적 전투기로서 고도의 스텔스능력과 통합항전장비, 센서퓨전 및 우수한 군수지원체계를 갖춘 최고성능의 전투기를 의미한다. F-35전투기는 현재까지 280대가 생산되었다.

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Republic of Korea and U.S. government leaders celebrated the public debut or ‘roll out’ of the first Republic of Korea Air Force（ROKAF）F-35A Lightning II at the Lockheed Martin（NYSE: LMT）Fort Worth production facility today. The event marks a major F-35 program milestone, strengthening national defense and global partnerships.

"Today is a truly meaningful day as we celebrate the roll-out of ROKAF’s first F-35A, the world’s best fighter jet, which will secure the sovereign airspace of the Republic of Korea," the Republic of Korea’s Minister of Defense Song Young-moo said in a previously recorded message. "The deployment of the F-35 will serve as momentum to enhance the combined operations of the ROK-U.S. Air Forces, and advance ROKAF’s support capabilities for ground operations."

The ceremony was attended by more than 450 guests, including five members of the Republic of Korea National Assembly Defense Committee, as well as Suh, Choo-suk, vice minister of National Defense; and Lt. Gen. Lee, Seong-yong, vice chief of staff of the ROKAF.

"This is a major step forward for our F-35 Enterprise and our ROKAF partners as we deliver Korea’s first F-35, the first of six F-35 aircraft that will be delivered this year," said Vice Adm. Mat Winter, F-35 Program Executive Officer. "The F-35A is a game-changing capability that will enable the South Korean Forces to operate side-by-side with our U.S. Forces in protecting your nation’s homeland. I extend my personal congratulations to the combined government and industry team in achieving this milestone."

U.S. officials in attendance included Ellen Lord, undersecretary of defense for Acquisition and Sustainment; Heidi Grant, deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for International Affairs; Vice Adm. Mat Winter, F-35 Program Executive Officer; U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, and U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey.

"We are proud to support the Republic of Korea with the unrivalled 5th Generation F-35," said Marillyn Hewson, Lockheed Martin chairman, president and CEO. "We know that it will be a symbol of strength reminding us all that when we partner together, our nations are safer, our people are more secure, and our future is brighter."

The Republic of Korea’s F-35 program of record calls for 40 F-35A aircraft acquired through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales program and to be built at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. The first aircraft will be delivered to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where ROKAF pilots and maintainers will begin training. F-35s will arrive in country in 2019 to the Republic of Korea’s main operational base at Cheongju.

The F-35 is the most advanced, survivable and connected fighter aircraft in the world. The F-35’s ability to collect, analyze and share data is a powerful force multiplier enhancing all airborne, surface and ground-based assets in the battlespace and enabling men and women in uniform to execute their mission and come home safe. To date, Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 280 F-35s, trained more than 580 pilots and 5,600 maintainers, and the F-35 fleet has surpassed more than 130,000 cumulative flight hours.

The ceremony replay can be viewed, here: https://youtu.be/wxyEmeP9zMk 

For additional information about the F-35 program, visit our website: www.f35.com.