South Korea has so far had 24 F-35A stealth fighters purchased from the US to increase air defense capabilities, the military said.

The Korean military has received and put into operation the stealth fighter squad since March 2019 in an effort to increase its tactical capabilities to deal with external threats, the Chapter Administration

South Korea is expected to complete the construction of F-35A storage facilities by December and to service 40 aircraft by 2021, when the purchase of stealth fighter contracts with the US is completed.

"We encountered a delivery delay due to the Covid-19 epidemic. However, the US-Korea bilateral cooperation helps to normalize the delivery process," said the Korea Defense Procurement Program Administration.

South Korean military officials say the F-35s, central to a strategic plan against potential adversary forces, are expected to strengthen combat capabilities and reinforce combat readiness.

South Korea signed a contract to buy 40 US F-35A fighters in 2014 worth about US $ 6.6 billion.

North Korea calls South Korea's acquisition of F-35 fighter jets a "brazen and despicable act" while discussing reconciliation with inter-Korean cooperation.

The F-35A is a stealth fighter version developed for the US Air Force and its allies.