Boeing announced Monday it has received a five-year contract extension to sustain the Republic of Korea Air Force’s fleet of F-15K Slam Eagles. “This approach guarantees materials and technical support required for aircraft maintenance over many years while managing costs,” said program director Tim Buerk in a company statement. “It also provides opportunities for us to utilize local industry to help maintain and manufacture F-15K components, cutting down on cycle times.” Boeing delivered 61 Slam Eagles to the ROKAF between 2005 and 2012. The ROKAF plans to operate the F-15s through 2040.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.