diff --git a/core/config.mk b/core/config.mk
index d7e6f1e5a0..166a371dc2 100644
--- a/core/config.mk
+++ b/core/config.mk
@@ -546,7 +546,7 @@ endif
 
 # Default R8 behavior when USE_R8 is not specified.
 ifndef USE_R8
-  USE_R8 := false
+  USE_R8 := true
 endif
 
 #