The original F-86D was developed as a bomber interceptor and was outfitted with a retractable ventral rocket-rack which housed 24 x 2.75 in (70 mm) Mighty Mouse folding-fin aerial rockets. Lacking cannons or air-to-air missiles, the F-86D was limited in role strictly as a bomber hunter. In 1953, Italy approached North American Aviation in an attempt to modify the existing F-86D into a fighter-interceptor, however, the proposed changes proved too costly. This cost overage required scaling back the requirements and from this was produced the F-86K, a fighter-interceptor aircraft which was outfitted with 4 x 20 mm cannons and two AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles. Originally this aircraft was produced for the U.S., however, later the Italian manufacturer Fiat was licensed to also manufacture and produce this version of the fighter. France operated a total of 62 F-86Ks, built between 1956 and 1957 by Fiat, working as all-weather interceptors while the Mirage III was being developed.

It was introduced in Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy". Developed as an interceptor, the F-86K is a relatively sluggish aircraft. It has a good top speed and climb rate for its BR thanks to the new engine, which features an afterburner. However this comes at the cost of manoeuvrability and acceleration, so, the F-86K is not a classic dogfighter like the other Sabres, instead it is more useful at combat in high altitude, intercepting enemy bombers and using its AIM-9Bs against slow enemies from above. In simulator battles, it is especially useful, as it features a powerful radar and a powerful engine, useful for detecting aircraft at very high altitudes like bombers and other interceptors. Unfortunately, its radar lacks BVR or ACM mode, so it is impossible to lock onto other aircraft.