In April, the skies over the Korean peninsula were filled with the sounds of an era coming to an end as South Korea’s F-4 Phantom fighter jets completed their final live-fire exercises.

These exercises took place against the backdrop of the largest Combined Air Training event between the US and South Korea, signifying the retirement of a legendary aircraft and its companion missile system, the AGM-142 Popeye.

For more than 50 years, the F-4 Phantom, affectionately known as the “Goblin of the Sky,” has played a pivotal role in the defense of South Korea.

The upcoming formal retirement ceremony on June 8th, 2024, will see the last ten Phantoms honored at Suwon Air Base, marking the end of a significant chapter in South Korean airpower history.

Chuck Watson, a curator for the Combat Air Museum, reflected on the aircraft’s legacy, saying, “It’s got a tremendous following of people.”

The F-4’s unique design, which required a dedicated backseat crew member for navigation and combat awareness, made it a powerful asset during its early service years, including extensive use during the Vietnam War.

South Korea first added the F-4D variant to its fleet in 1969, becoming a central figure in the nation’s air defense. Even as newer models like the KF-16 were introduced in 1994, the F-4 remained a testament to versatility and firepower, with roughly 220 F-4s serving in various capacities, including the upgraded F-4E and the reconnaissance RF-4C.

The Popeye missiles, which South Korea adopted in 2002, complemented the F-4s with long-range precision strike capabilities. With a range exceeding 60 miles and a payload over 770 pounds, they played a critical role in deterrence, especially considering the proximity of North Korean threats.

During the Combined Air Training exercise, over 100 aircraft from the US and South Korea, including modern F-16s, F-35Bs, F-35As, F-15Ks, and FA-50 fighters, demonstrated the strength of the partnership between the two countries. This event underscored the allies’ interoperability and their resolve to address regional security challenges.

As South Korea turns the page with the F-4’s retirement, it opens a new chapter in air defense with modern jets like the F-35 and the KF-16. These advanced aircraft are set to carry the legacy forward, ensuring the protection of South Korean airspace.

The farewell to the F-4 Phantom also resonates across the Pacific in New Mexico, where crowds gathered at Holloman Air Force Base to witness the final flight of the QF-4 Phantom II.

Lt. Col. Ronald King, commander of Detachment 1, 82nd Aerial Target Squadron, said, “This has been a humbling experience,” underscoring the deep connection and significance of the aircraft to those who have served alongside it.

King added, “There is no way to truly understand what this aircraft has done without talking to the people who lived it.” The F-4, which entered service in 1963 and was known for setting 15 world records, holds a special place in military aviation history.

The aircraft, having earned various nicknames like “The Double Ugly,” “Old Smokey,” and “The Rhino,” completed 145 unmanned missions, with 70 aircraft lost in service. Before its retirement, the QF-4 served as manned and unmanned training targets, contributing to the development of new radars and defense systems.

As the F-4 Phantom II phases out, both South Korea and the United States pay tribute to this iconic jet’s enduring legacy. It’s an acknowledgment of the aircraft’s family-like bond among its crew and the indelible mark it has left on military aviation. While the “Goblins of the Sky” may no longer roar through the skies, the legacy of the F-4 Phantom will continue to inspire as a symbol of strength and innovation.

Relevant articles:
– F-4 Era Ends in South Korea: Retirement Ceremony Set for June, SOFREP
– WATCH: F-4 Phantom Bids Fond Farewell With Final Flight, Military.com