On 19 March, the first 5th generation, stealth F-35 aircraft destined to the Republic of  Korea Air Force made its maiden flight at Lockheed Martin Ft. Worth facility, Texas.

The Republic of Korea is faced with a growing array of threats and a challenging operating environment, both on the ground – with a complex array of air defense systems – and in the air, as multiple countries in the region continue their efforts to develop 5th Generation capabilities. The 5th Generation, stealth F-35 is the ideal platform to proactively deter these growing threats – and it is the only aircraft designed from the ground up with these threats in mind.

According to David Cenciotti, known as AW-1, the aircraft is the first South Korean 5th generation combat aircraft out of 40 F-35A Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) variant jets that the ROKAF with all aircraft slated for delivery by 2021.

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Lockheed Martin is currently working with both the Korean and U.S. governments to ensure delivery of their F-35 aircraft on-time and on-budget to meet Korea’s national security requirements.

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The F-35 combines 5th Generation fighter aircraft characteristics — advanced stealth, integrated avionics, sensor fusion and superior logistics support — with the most powerful and comprehensive integrated sensor package of any fighter aircraft in history. The F-35’s advanced stealth allows pilots to penetrate areas without being detected by radars that legacy fighters cannot evade.

More photos of maiden flight for first South Korean F-35 aircraft