South Korean F-4E Phantom II to be retired this year

[f4phantom]

On January 25, a South Korean military official announced to the media that all F-4E Phantoms would be officially retired this year.

Suwon Air Base currently has 19 F-4E Phantom II’s, which will be withdrawn from service in the first half of this year.

https://milmag.pl/en/south-korean-f-4e- ... iger%20IIs.

[Levente]

Just to have the original korean source

https://munhwa.com/news/view.html?no=20 ... 9930114001

Last december, april was named as the last month of the F-4 in Korea. But nothing specific since than.

[SquAdmin]

I've read April 27th somewhere. Not sure if it's the final public appearance of RoKAF F-4's or the actual sundown.

[Levente]

According to a new info, the retirement will be in June

"The final elephant walk of the F-4E Phantom, Korea's former main fighter jet, which is scheduled to be retired in June, took place at the Air Force Suwon Base on the 8th."

https://www.chosun.com/politics/diploma ... 2MNTQXXME/

"The Phantom was the Air Force's main fighter aircraft until the KF-16 entered service in 1994. The Air Force has so far operated about 220 aircraft, including the F-4E, an improved version of the F-4D, and the reconnaissance aircraft RF-4C. Currently, most of the Phantoms have been retired and only about 10 remain, and these are also scheduled to end their activities in June"

https://www.spnews.co.kr/news/articleVi ... dxno=77555

[orange]

Two Phantoms were painted for the upcoming retirement; one light gray, one in Vietnam camo.

[Reaper]

Two Phantoms were painted for the upcoming retirement; one light gray, one in Vietnam camo.

Source? Any links/pics?

[Levente]

Two Phantoms were painted for the upcoming retirement; one light gray, one in Vietnam camo.

Source? Any links/pics?

https://twitter.com/hornetysfs/status/1 ... 8590814451

Suwon Airshow was held recently, it was shown there for the public.

[orange]

Only four currently remain airworthy, one of which (80-735) has been painted in the original light grey colour scheme.

[Trabanti]

South Korea’s F-4E Phantom II performed its final live-fire exercise after 55 years of service and will be retired on June 7, along with the AGM-142 “Pop-eye” missiles.

[orange]

Only four currently remain airworthy, one of which (80-735) has been painted in the original light grey colour scheme.

Additionally 80-739 has received a SEA colourscheme.

[Levente]

Info of the retirement event, from korean, with google translator:

We held a time to celebrate the successful completion of the mission and bid farewell to the F-4 Phantom aircraft, which was honorably retired after protecting our country's airspace for 55 years.
The highest power that can defeat the Republic of Korea
We ask that you please join us and grace this meaningful occasion.
○ Date/Location: 2024. 6. 7. (Fri) 10:30 / 10th Fighter Wing (Suwon)
Clothing: Reserve - simple suit, active duty - flight suit/combat uniform
Received by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force
* For smooth event preparation, '24. After checking the notice by 17:00 on Wednesday, May 22nd
Please reply to confirm your attendance. (7 010-9580-5213: Secretary Daewoong Ahn)

○ Invitation target
△Main political, relations and military figures
△ Past F-4 pilots and mechanics
△ Personnel related to the ROK-US alliance
△ Past chiefs of staff and reserve group executives

Order of progress
△ 10:00~10:30 Pre-ceremony performance
△ 10:30~11:25 main event
△ 11:25~13:00 Luncheon
*Please let us know if you would like lunch.

Found it here:
https://blog.naver.com/thomas7481/223449485144

[Levente]

If interested here is a video of the ceremony

[Levente]

Serial 50-732, F-4D also received a special paint job for the retirement:
https://blog.naver.com/spooky_64/223470709881

[tally]

A log of that sad day can be found here.

https://www.scramble.nl/community/messa ... 6#p1088566