Fifty-five years of steadfast service, aerial mastery, and a venerable legacy came to a poignant end as the South Korean Air Force bid farewell to its fleet of F-4 Phantom IIs.

Once the backbone of aerial combat, the Phantoms closed out their illustrious career with live-fire drills and formation flights before gracefully surrendering the skies to the next generation: the KF-21 Boramae.

In a final salute, the Phantoms released their last AGM-142 missiles and MK-82 free-fall bombs during recent live-fire drills, marking the end of an era of dogfights and reconnaissance missions that had once defined aerial warfare.

The F-4, developed in the 1950s by McDonnell Aircraft Corp., was a testament to American engineering and military foresight, but as Chuck Watson, a curator for the Combat Air Museum, reminisced, “When they’re all gone, there won’t be another like it.”

The Phantom’s journey began with a booming introduction to the Air Force in the early 1960s. Its versatility was tested through the crucibles of the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and various Wild Weasel missions.

Despite its limitations, like less maneuverability compared to the nimble MiG-21, U.S. pilots learned to harness the F-4’s raw power, engaging with enemy aircraft on their terms – vertically, with the thrust of afterburners.

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) adopted the Phantom as its premier fighter in 1969, at one point operating about 220 units. However, time and technology wait for no one. As of now, only a few countries, including Iran, Turkey, and Greece, still operate these storied fighters.

The final flight of the Phantoms was not only an aerial spectacle but also a symbolic handover of duties. The F-4Es, adorned with special liveries reflecting their storied past, flew in formation with the KF-21 Boramae – South Korea’s indigenously developed multirole combat aircraft.

This formation not only honored the Phantom’s history but also pointed to the future, symbolizing the technological leap embodied by the KF-21, poised to assume the mantle of air defense with its advanced capabilities.

As the F-4 Phantoms took their last flight across South Korea, covering all major cities outside of Seoul, their special liveries told a tale of national pride and development. The aircraft sported camo schemes from various eras, and one poignant decal read, “From the hands of the people, to the hearts of the people,” reflecting the public’s contribution to the fleet’s financing back in 1975.

The KF-21 Boramae’s readiness to replace the F-4 was underscored by the successful provisional combat suitability evaluation and the anticipated commencement of initial production. With an allocated budget of around US$178 million for 2024, the ROKAF is setting the stage for a modernized fleet with enhanced capabilities against evolving threats.

The retirement ceremony at Suwon Air Base on June 7, 2024, was not just the closing chapter for the F-4s but also a reaffirmation of South Korea’s commitment to maintaining a formidable air presence.

The newly minted KF-21s are expected to achieve Initial Operating Capability by 2026, gradually taking over from the aging Phantoms and F-5s, thus continuing South Korea’s trajectory toward self-reliant defense and advanced military technology.

Amidst the changing landscape of global military aviation, South Korea’s transition from the venerable F-4 Phantom to the futuristic KF-21 Boramae reflects the nation’s determination to safeguard its skies with a blend of historical reverence and forward-thinking innovation.

The Phantom’s retirement is a bittersweet homage to its past glory and a resounding welcome to the new era of air defense, embodied by the KF-21 Boramae.

Relevant articles:
– ‘There won’t be another like it’: South Korean F-4 Phantom IIs drop final bombs before retirement, Stars and Stripes
– South Korea retires Phantom, readies Boramae for production, Asian Military Review
– ROKAF’s Last F-4E’s Carry Out Formation Flight Over South Korea, The Aviationist
– F-4 fighter jets hold farewell flight after over five decades of service, Yonhap News Agency