In 1996 a lease agreement was signed between the United States and the Republic of Korea for a total of thirty surplus T-38s that deemed Excess Defense Articles and were being stored at AMARC. During a one and a half year program the aircraft were upgraded and delivered to the Republic of Korea air force in operational condition. The descision to purchase surplus aircraft instead of new ones direct from the manufacturers was made due to the follow-up support that would be provided by the U.S Air Force. This support will consist of logistics, technical and engineering support and a yearly visit to Korea by U.S. Air Force personnel.
Initially any missing or damaged parts were replaced or repaired, periodic inspections were carried out, and Safety of Flight Time Compliance Technical Orders performed by AMARC personnel. Functional check flights were also carried out at AMARC by Fighter/Trainer Directorate pilots to ensure the aircraft were fully operational.
Following all this work to get them airworthy the aircraft were then flown to Randolph AFB, Texas. The Lear Sieglar company carried out 7 modifications to bring them upto the required operational standard. From here the aircraft flew the short distance to Amarillo, Texas were they received a respray with the ROKAF colours.
The actual delivery to Korea was made by ship from San Diego. The aircraft were flown to North Island Naval Air Station where they were prepared for their long onward sea journey. They were de-fuelled and then wrapped in polyurethane covers which would also be used by the ROKAF to protect the aircraft after their delivery.
A total of 3 shipments were made, six during March 2000, nine in July 2000 and the last 15 in November 2000.
In addition to checking the aircraft after they have been modified, a US Air Force pilot is sent to Korea to accomplish an acceptance flight when the T-38s arrive on station when this is completed delivery is logged as "complete." Two ROKAF pilots were trained to fly the T-38s at Randolph, returning to train other pilots. In addition, a U.S. Air Force team was sent to Korea to teach Korean technicians the maintenance differences between the F-5 aircraft, which ROKAF currently flies, and the T-38.
In total, AMARC, 3 major contractors, 4 air logistic centres and the U.S Navy were involved with this large undertaking.
Follow up support for the program will continue through 2001.
Aircraft supplied to the Republic of Korea
| Inventory No. | Serial No. | Aircraft Type | Construction No. | Arrival Date | Deletion Date |
| AATF0206 | 62-3615 | N.5320 | 14-JUL-93 | ||
| AATF0226 | 62-3646 | N.5351 | 30-SEP-93 | ||
| AATF0279 | 62-3652 | N.5357 | 03-OCT-94 | ||
| AATF0243 | 62-3662 | N.5367 | 14-SEP-94 | ||
| AATF0271 | 62-3680 | N.5385 | 21-SEP-94 | ||
| AATF0259 | 62-3683 | N.5388 | 19-SEP-94 | ||
| AATF0250 | 62-3691 | N.5396 | 15-SEP-94 | ||
| AATF0307 | 62-3699 | N.5404 | 08-DEC-95 | ||
| AATF0216 | 62-3702 | N.5407 | 23-JUL-93 | ||
| AATF0254 | 62-3706 | N.5411 | 16-SEP-94 | ||
| AATF0131 | 62-3722 | N.5427 | 17-JUL-92 | ||
| AATF0281 | 63-8131 | N.5478 | 09-JAN-95 | ||
| AATF0269 | 63-8133 | N.5480 | 21-SEP-94 | ||
| AATF0245 | 63-8147 | N.5494 | 14-SEP-94 | ||
| AATF0297 | 63-8154 | N.5501 | 14-FEB-95 | ||
| AATF0294 | 63-8163 | N.5510 | 03-FEB-95 | ||
| AATF0263 | 63-8218 | N.5565 | 20-SEP-94 | ||
| AATF0286 | 63-8229 | N.5576 | 12-JAN-95 | ||
| AATF0239 | 63-8239 | N.5586 | 07-SEP-94 | ||
| AATF0252 | 63-8243 | N.5590 | 15-SEP-94 | ||
| AATF0240 | 63-8246 | N-5593 | 07-SEP-94 | ||
| AATF0299 | 64-13167 | N.5596 | 02-MAR-95 | ||
| AATF0300 | 64-13176 | N.5605 | 09-MAR-95 | ||
| AATF0296 | 64-13181 | N.5610 | 10-FEB-95 | ||
| AATF0277 | 64-13204 | N.5633 | 26-SEP-94 | ||
| AATF0295 | 64-13241 | N.5670 | 07-FEB-95 | ||
| AATF0309 | 64-13278 | N.5707 | 11-DEC-95 | ||
| AATF0308 | 66-8404 | N.5989 | 08-DEC-95 | ||
| AATF0311 | 67-14828 | T.6023 | 15-DEC-95 | ||
| AATF0310 | 67-14923 | T.6064 | 11-DEC-95 |