U.S. Air Force is considering permanently stationing F-35A stealth fighters in South Korea

As reported by the Korea JoongAng Daily on April 27, 2025, the United States is contemplating the permanent stationing of F-35A stealth fighters at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea. This strategic decision would significantly enhance U.S. air capabilities on the Korean Peninsula, which currently depend largely on F-16 Fighting Falcons.

While F-35As have previously been deployed only for joint exercises, establishing a permanent presence would represent a major strategic shift, introducing advanced 5th-generation airpower to one of the most unstable regions globally. Ongoing discussions are considering the deployment of up to 20 F-35A stealth fighters to Kunsan Air Base, which would augment the Republic of Korea Air Force’s existing fleet of 40 F-35As, acquired through a $6.8 billion deal finalized in 2014 and fully integrated into South Korea’s air defense system.

The permanent introduction of U.S. F-35As would improve interoperability, bolster combined operational readiness, and significantly enhance air superiority capabilities. A U.S. military official from the 7th Air Force noted that while this proposal is under active consideration, no definitive decision has been reached.

Presently, the U.S. military maintains a strong permanent presence in South Korea across all branches, with around 28,500 American troops stationed in the country under the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty. The U.S. Army’s Eighth Army is based at Camp Humphreys, the largest overseas U.S. military installation, which includes the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, responsible for frontline defenses north of Seoul and equipped with advanced assets such as M1A2 Abrams tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Apache helicopters, HIMARS rocket artillery systems, and Patriot missile batteries.

The United States Air Force operates under the Seventh Air Force, which is based at Osan Air Base. Osan is home to a Super Squadron consisting of 31 F-16 Fighting Falcons. As per the announcement made on April 24, 2025, the Seventh Air Force intends to initiate a second phase of its Super Squadron test by October 2025. This phase will involve the transfer of an additional 31 F-16s and approximately 1,000 Airmen from Kunsan Air Base to Osan during the summer, effectively establishing two fully operational Super Squadrons.

Kunsan Air Base will remain a key exercise and rotational center, continuing its active flightline operations and strategic munitions storage to facilitate the swift deployment of rotational forces. In addition to air assets, the U.S. Navy plays a crucial role with its rotational presence, utilizing Fleet Activities Chinhae as a support base for visiting carrier strike groups, Aegis-equipped destroyers, and submarines.

Nuclear-powered attack submarines are also periodically deployed to enhance undersea deterrence capabilities. The U.S. Marine Corps maintains a rotational training presence, supported by the III Marine Expeditionary Force from Japan, which is prepared for rapid deployment in amphibious and crisis response operations on the Korean Peninsula.

The permanent stationing of F-35As is regarded as essential to counter the increasing threat posed by North Korea’s expanding ballistic missile capabilities, nuclear weapons initiatives, and the modernization of its conventional forces. The F-35A’s stealth architecture, advanced sensors, electronic warfare systems, and precision strike abilities would enable the United States and South Korea to execute deep strike operations against heavily fortified North Korean targets with little notice.

Furthermore, it would ensure superior air superiority in the initial stages of any potential conflict, which is vital for neutralizing threats before they escalate.

The deployment of additional U.S. F-35As in South Korea would significantly enhance security assurances and facilitate closer integration with their existing F-35A fleet. This would lead to substantial improvements in joint training, operational planning, and network-centric warfare strategies, resulting in a powerful allied force capable of deterring and swiftly countering any aggression from North Korea.

Furthermore, such a deployment would send a strong strategic message, reassuring regional partners and highlighting the United States’ steadfast commitment to defending South Korea and ensuring stability in Northeast Asia.

Ongoing discussions about the potential stationing of U.S. F-35As reflect a broader strategy aimed at achieving overwhelming superiority across land, sea, and air in the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing the deepening military collaboration between the U.S. and South Korea and their mutual resolve to deter threats and maintain peace through strength.