South Korean Tonkas

[ValAstur]

In early 1980, South Korea showed great interest in the Tornado, particularly the German variants because of the MW-1 multi-role weapon. The aircraft's primary mission was intended to be low-level attacks on advancing enemy troops, especially tanks. Due to the weapon's destructive power, the then German Defense Minister, Hans Apel, imposed an export ban. German Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher tried unsuccessfully to persuade Apel to reconsider. Following this setback, the South Korean government turned to Italy, which also rejected the sale of the aircraft and the weapon, citing Germany's decision.

After Italy's rejection, British Foreign Secretary Peter Carington contacted the South Korean government and offered them the British GR.1 model. However, this aircraft could only be equipped with the JP233 missile pod, designed for disabling airfields. Within the military leadership, discussions began regarding how this weapon could be used against the North in an attack scenario. After comparing the specifications of the cluster munitions and the mines, South Korea decided to order this type of aircraft. A total of 48 aircraft were ordered.

Deliveries began in late 1982 and were completed in 1984.

 

Panavia Tornado GR.1K, 11th Wing, 102 Squadron "Blue Dragon", 1982

[daddyairplanes]

wicked

now when they go grey, do they go Gunship Gray like the Strike Eagles, or go Hill 2 like the Phantoms? or get really phancy and go Hill 1 Gray?

[dsawan]

Cool, hoping for a release

[ValAstur]

10 hours ago, daddyairplanes said:

wicked

now when they go grey, do they go Gunship Gray like the Strike Eagles, or go Hill 2 like the Phantoms? or get really phancy and go Hill 1 Gray?

Hmm...good question. Haven't thought about it. I think the ROKAF would go for the color scheme they applied on the KF-16s.

 

6 hours ago, dsawan said:

Cool, hoping for a release

@guuruu would you be fine with it?