Regional powers in Northeast Asia are developing and deploying stealth fighters in the context of intensifying military competition and growing tensions over territorial disputes. This paper examines the strategic utilities of stealth fighters in the regional security environment as well as in response to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats from a South Korean perspective. Then, we analyze current status and implications of stealth-fighter programs of China and Japan. Finally, this paper concludes with some suggestions regarding policy implication for ROK Air Force``s stealth fighters and future directions.