The Republic of Korea has formally selected the F-35 Lightning II aircraft, powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, for its F-X fighter acquisition program. The program calls for delivery of 40 F-35A Conventional Takeoff and Landing aircraft with aircraft deliveries beginning in 2018.”We have a longstanding relationship with the Republic of Korea Air Force, having supported their fighter fleet for many years with our F100 engine. We are excited to begin the next chapter as they place their trust in the Pratt & Whitney-powered F-35 to meet their security needs,” said Bennett Croswell, president, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. “We look forward to working together with Lockheed Martin and with both the U.S. and Republic of Korea governments to deliver a highly capable propulsion system for the F-35 on time, and at an affordable cost.”Following a comprehensive evaluation process for their F-X program, the Republic of Korea becomes the third Foreign Military Sales country to procure the F-35, joining Israel and Japan who selected the F-35A in 2010 and 2011, respectively. The program also currently includes participation from three U.S. military service branches and eight international partner countries. Three distinct variants of the F-35 will replace the A-10 and F-16 for the U.S. Air Force, the F/A-18 for the U.S. Navy, the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the U.S. Marine Corps, and a variety of fighter aircraft for at least 10 other countries.