Polderman, Robin Modern South Korean Air Power

The Republic of Korea Air Force Today

Since the early 1950s, the heavily industrialised nation of South Korea has seen steady growth and is now the worlds seventh-largest exporter and 11th-largest economy overall. As the Cold War on the Korean peninsula gathered momentum, the development of the Republic of Korea Air Force became one of the nations top priorities. While initially dependent on the United States for its aircraft, Koreas aviation industry has matured rapidly, and the ROKAFs use of indigenously manufactured equipment is on the rise. "Modern South Korean Air Power" provides a detailed look at the aircraft and armament, as well as the organisation and the modernisation process of the ROKAF. The air arm has invested heavily in its early warning and intelligence-gathering capability to guard against the unpredictability of its northern neighbour. A territorial dispute with long-standing rival Japan, as well as incursions into its airspace by both China and Russia, have fuelled the need to transform the ROKAF into a technologically superior force. In its ongoing efforts to maintain its edge, the ROKAF has introduced fifth-generation stealth fighters while at the same time still making effective use of obsolete biplanes. It is this wide variety of aircraft and helicopters that make this air arm one of a kind. This book is a highly informative and richly illustrated source of reference and documents the ROKAF in a previously unavailable degree of detail. It provides an insightful and in-depth look at the journey the service has embarked upon to face the regional security challenges of tomorrow.

In its ongoing efforts to stay ahead of the game, the ROKAF has introduced fifth-generation stealth fighters while continuing to effectively utilise obsolete biplanes. It is this diversity of aircraft and helicopters that makes this force so unique. This book is a highly informative and richly illustrated reference work, documenting the ROKAF in a level of detail not previously available. It provides a revealing and detailed insight into the development of the South Korean Air Force as it seeks to meet the regional security challenges of tomorrow.