The F-4 Phantom, a mainstay of the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) for over three decades, is preparing for retirement. Ahead of its official decommissioning in June, the 10th Combat Wing conducted the final live-fire training exercise for the legendary “Goblin of the Sky.”
The exercise involved four F-4 Phantoms equipped with AGM-142 missiles. Pilots executed a flawless mission, successfully engaging targets 40 kilometers away. This final training run marked the culmination of a 35-year service history for the F-4 Phantom in the ROKAF.
“We’ve flown the Phantom with pride for over three decades,” said a pilot who participated in the exercise. “It’s a bittersweet moment to be a part of its retirement.”
The F-4 Phantom served as the ROKAF’s premier fighter jet for a significant period, playing a pivotal role in national defense. Its retirement signifies a shift towards more modern aircraft in the South Korean Air Force.
While the F-4 Phantom will soon vanish from the skies, the memories and legacy of this iconic aircraft will undoubtedly live on within the ROKAF.