The government plans to lease and operate the "Air Force One," South Korea's presidential aircraft, for an additional five years through a contract extension when the current lease expires in January next year, it has been learned. While some argue for purchasing a presidential aircraft befitting the nation's stature, there are reportedly no purchase plans.
According to reporting compiled by Seoul Economic Daily on the 14th, the Air Force plans to extend the lease of the presidential aircraft, Air Force One, by five more years beyond its expiration on Jan. 10 next year. In response to an inquiry from the office of Rep. Kang Sun-young of the People Power Party on the National Assembly's National Defense Committee, the Air Force replied that there are no plans to purchase Air Force One during the current administration.
The government signed a contract to lease a Boeing "B747-8i" from Korean Air for five years through Jan. 10, 2027. The lease cost is about 300 billion won. Previously, a Boeing "B747-400" had served as the presidential aircraft for about 11 years and 9 months before being replaced with the new model under the Moon Jae-in administration.
The aircraft the president boards is called "Code-One." Like the U.S. presidential aircraft "Air Force One," it is the call sign used by airport control towers to refer to the aircraft carrying the South Korean president. The South Korean Air Force One's flight designation is KAF-001.
A military official said, "We are reviewing an additional lease contract for Air Force One, whose lease expires in January next year," adding, "Compared to the B747-400, it has increased range and cruising speed, and through interior modifications it has been equipped both inside and out as a presidential aircraft, with enhancements such as improved convenience."
The government replaced the aging Air Force Two, which was introduced in 1985 and operated for over 40 years, with a new model. When the president travels to Asian destinations or moves domestically, he sometimes boards Air Force Two, which is smaller than Air Force One. Although it is the presidential aircraft, other government delegations, including the prime minister, also use Air Force Two.
The new Air Force Two is a Boeing "B737-8." With improved cruising speed and maximum range, it can fly directly to Indonesia, Uzbekistan and other destinations without refueling. The lease period runs from Feb. 27, 2026, to Feb. 26, 2031. The lease cost is about 260 billion won.
The government has also reportedly selected the "S-92A+" from Sikorsky, a subsidiary of U.S. firm Lockheed Martin, as the new "command helicopter" for the president, and is currently conducting purchase test evaluations and negotiations. It is an upgraded version of the existing presidential helicopter "VH-92."
The new "Command Helicopter-II" project, which will purchase a total of four aircraft for 870 billion won, is being conducted under the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. The new command helicopters are scheduled to be introduced and operated as early as 2030, and President Lee Jae-myung is expected to be able to board them in the final year of his term.
The new command helicopters, with improved survivability and command-and-control capabilities, will be secured by 2031. Four units will be purchased, with the first introduction in the early 2030s. They are based on the same platform as "Marine One," the U.S. presidential helicopter, a model whose stability and reliability have been proven.
