[MarkSheppard]

F-4E retirement moving forward:

https://theaviationist.com/2024/05/1...r-south-korea/

On May 9, 2024, the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) F-4Es flew in formation with KF-21s to mark the type’s upcoming retirement. A sole F-15K served as chase plane and took photos of the flight. The formation, consisting of four F-4Es and two KF-21s flew around the Korean peninsula, covering all major cities outside of Seoul. The three-hour flight covered the following regions of Gyeonggi-province (Suwon, Pyeongtaek), Chungcheong-province (Seonghwan, Cheonan, Cheongju, Chungju), Gyeongsang-province (Uljin, Pohang, Ulsan, Busan, Geoje, Daegu, Sacheon), and Jeolla-province (Yeosu, Goheung, Gageodo, Gunsan).

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During part of the flight, two KF-21s joined the formation over the skies of Sacheon, home to Korean Aerospace Industries’ manufacturing plant and headquarters. The formation symbolised the KF-21 taking over the F-4E’s role of protecting the nation’s sky. The first batch of KF-21s are expected to be come out later this year 2024 and achieve Initial Operating Capability (IOC) by 2026. Current F-4 and F-5 squadrons are scheduled to be the first ones to receive the new KF-21s.

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A Korean Spook wearing a red scarf has and a Spook holding an AGM-142 Popeye missile were specially created for this occasion. Specifically, the Spook holding the Popeye missile is wearing the traditional battle gear of a Chosun dynasty military officer. The F-4Es were the sole operators of the AGM-142s and the remaining stockpile of munitions were all fired prior to the aircraft’s retirement

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With the official retirement ceremony of the F-4E scheduled for June 7, 2024 at Suwon Airbase, the remaining 19 ROKAF Phantoms are still scheduled to fly around until the last few days.