• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

ROK Air Force - History

Shortly after regaining independence from the Japanese colonial rule, people in the aviation industry, abroad and in Korea, founded the Korean Aircraft Construction Association on the 10th August, 1946. The Association was purposed to publicize the importance of airpower and to strengthen the solidarity of the members. Despite the unfavorable perception on airpower and the meager status of the Korean armed forces, the first air unit was established on the 5th May, 1948, under the direct command of Tongwibu, the former body of the Ministry of National Defense.

On the 13th September, 1948, ROK acquired ten L-4 Grasshoppers from the US, establishing the basis for the foundation of an independent air force. The Association members' belief that "the modern warfare is a three-dimensional one, and that the airpower is the key element" gave birth to the establishment of ROKAF as an independent service on 01 October 1949.

On the outbreak of the Korean War, ROKAF was manned with merely 1,800 troops and possessed just 20 light aircraft, but despite the odds, it demonstrated its potentials superbly throughout the war. Our pilots, after only a single training flight, flew ten F-51 Mustangs acquired from US Forces in Japan and, in less than a month, they were ready for air combat operations. ROKAF fought under the motto, "fight the war and multiply the force."

Through the Korean conflict, ROKAF grew to a sizable force and at the war's end, ROKAF had one fighter wing, three fighter squadrons and possessed 110 aircraft including 79 fighter-bombers. Nonetheless, operations support and educational and training systems were found wanting. Therefore, until the end of the 1950s, the ROKAF concentrated its effort on establishing support systems: move of the Headquarters to Seoul, founding the Air University, modernizing aircraft maintenance depots, etc. Also, the introduction of F-86F's commissioned jet operations of the ROKAF. Increased airlift and ATC capabilities meant that the ROKAF positioned itself as a central element of the warfare.

In the 1950's, ROKAF focused its efforts mainly in securing the basic capabilities required for exercising independent air operations. In the 1960's, ROKAF underwent qualitative growth through introduction of assets such as F-86D all-weather interceptors, F-5A fighters and F-4D fighter-bombers. ROKAF also focused in bettering air operations support system by building air defense control facilities and new air bases. Air Force Operations Command was established in order to expand command and control capabilities, and construction of base security systems and emergency runways ensured wartime operability.

The 1960's were the era in which ROKAF expanded its presence abroad. ROKAF carried out airlift operations within, and to and from, Vietnam as a part of South Korean effort in the Vietnam War. Also, enhancement of forward air control allowed improved air-ground operations system.

During the 1970's, the American withdrawal from the Vietnam War and the subsequent change of US foreign policy resulted in emergence of more volatile international order. North Korea exploited this opportunity, posing increased threat to ROK. The government, faced with such a security issue, made greater effort on bolstering the Air Force which was comparatively less equipped.

The F-4E and F-5E/F tactical fighters were introduced. Supporting aircraft such as S-2A sea patrol aircraft and C-123 carriers were also introduced, yielding greater airlift capabilities. T-41 basic trainers and T-37 intermediate trainers were also introduced, improving the flight training system one step further. Also in the 1970's, as a part of strengthening initiative, Yecheon AB and Cheongju AB were constructed. Air Force Education and Training Command and the Second Academy were also founded. The 1980's saw the thawing of the Cold War stalemate between the West and the East. To respond to such changing international environment and to continue to make up for the comparative deficiency in the airpower, the ROKAF introduced new assets. Korean manufactured Jegongho(F-5E/F) were produced and deployed, and F-16 fighters and C-130 carriers were introduced.

Automating the air defense control system and installation of Korean Combat Operations Information Center meant that, in a contingency situation, rapid attainment of air superiority was made possible. Especially deserving of note, ROKAF supported Seoul Olympics as part of the Armed Forces Olympics Supporting Team, contributing to the successful hosting of Olympics. In 1980's ROKAF moved its main bodies - headquarters, Air Force Academy, Air Force Education and Training Command and Air University - preparing for a new era for the ROKAF.

In 1990's, ROKAF continued to fulfill its role as the core element in national defense and laid the foundation for growth into an aerospace force. The participation in the Gulf War in the early 1990's clearly displayed the global operability of ROKAF, and assistance in deployment of PKO forces in various places in the world helped to elevate the ROK's international status. Also, the establishment of Air Defense Artillery Command, production and deployment of KF-16 fighters, introduction of multi-purpose carriers, and introduction of HH-47 helicopters have all played it role in fashioning the ROKAF into a more balanced force.