The skies over the Korean peninsula echoed with a bittersweet melody last week as South Korea’s F-4 Phantom fighter jets roared through their final live-fire drills.

This poignant flyout, coinciding with the largest US-ROK Combined Air Training (KFT) exercise of the year, marked the official farewell to a legendary aircraft that served as the backbone of South Korean air defense for over five decades.

The F-4 Retires Alongside the Popeye Missiles

The F-4s, nicknamed “Goblins of the Sky” by South Korean pilots, weren’t just leaving the stage – they were performing a final act alongside the AGM-142 Popeye air-to-surface missiles.

These last training missions cemented the retirement of both aircraft and missiles, with a June 8th, 2024, ceremony planned to formally bid farewell to the F-4 era in South Korea.

“It’s got a tremendous following of people,” remarked Chuck Watson, a curator for the Combat Air Museum, reflecting on the F-4’s unique design with a dedicated backseat crew member crucial for navigation and combat awareness.

Developed in the 1950s, the F-4 saw extensive service during the Vietnam War and was hailed as a powerful fighter in its early years.

South Korea acquired the F-4D variant in 1969, propelling it to the forefront of its air defense capabilities.

This formidable aircraft served as the nation’s primary fighter jet until the introduction of the license-built KF-16 in 1994.

A Legacy of Versatility and Power

While the F-4 may not have been the most maneuverable aircraft, its versatility and firepower proved invaluable throughout its service.

South Korea operated roughly 220 F-4s across various models, including the upgraded F-4E and the reconnaissance RF-4C.

For years, the Popeye missiles, integrated into the ROKAF in 2002, offered a crucial long-range precision strike capability, particularly vital given the proximity of North Korea.

With a range exceeding 60 miles (97 kilometers) and a payload capacity of over 770 pounds (349 kilograms), these missiles provided a significant deterrent in the region.

A Farewell on the Stage of US-ROK Airpower

The KFT exercise, a testament to the strong airpower partnership between the US and South Korea, served as a fitting backdrop for the F-4’s final act.

Over 100 aircraft from both nations participated, showcasing a diverse range of modern warplanes.

American F-16s, F-35Bs, and A-10 attack jets flew alongside South Korea’s F-35As, F-15Ks, and indigenously produced FA-50 fighters.

This joint training exercise not only honed interoperability between the allies but also underscored their combined resolve to face potential regional threats.

Embracing the Future of South Korean Air Defense

The retirement of the F-4 signifies a turning point for South Korea’s air defense strategy.

The remaining ten Phantoms will be ceremoniously retired at Suwon Air Base on June 7th, marking the end of an era.

However, the farewell also presents an opportunity to embrace the future.

Modern jets like the F-35 and the KF-16 are poised to take center stage, ensuring South Korea maintains a robust and technologically advanced air force capable of safeguarding its airspace.

A Fond Farewell, An Enduring Partnership

As the iconic F-4s take their final bow, South Korea celebrates not just their legacy but also their enduring partnership with the US.

The KFT exercise demonstrates the unwavering commitment both nations have towards regional security.

While the “Goblins of the Sky” may soon be a memory, the roar of their engines will serve as a reminder of their vital role in shaping South Korean airpower and the continued vigilance that safeguards the Korean peninsula.