Seoul Picks F-15K for New Jet Deal

(Source: Korea Herald; issued April 26, 2008)

South Korea selected Boeing Co.'s F-15K fighter jet for a 2.3 trillion won ($2.3 billion) project to purchase 20 new advanced jet fighters, the military procurement agency announced [April 25].

The selection was approved during the 27th defense project promotion committee presided over by Defense Minister Lee Sang-hee, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration said.

The South Korean Air Force has sought to purchase 20 multi-role fighter jets between 2010 and 2012 to reinforce airstrike capabilities. The multibillion-dollar fighter deal, dubbed the 2nd F-X, follows South Korea's first phase of F-X in 2002, in which the Air Force will introduce 40 F-15Ks by this year.

Under the deal, the South Korean military will acquire 21 aircraft, one more than the original target number of 20 for the procurement, DAPA said. Boeing agreed to provide one additional F-15K for free.

"As a result of negotiations with Boeing, we will introduce 21 units within the originally earmarked budget of 2.3 trillion won," DAPA said. Boeing was the sole bidder for the 2nd F-X project.

DAPA said U.S. aircraft engine maker Pratt & Whitney will provide engines for the new F-15Ks. It plans to procure 44 units of the F100 model.

The F-15K is an advanced derivative of the F-15E, capable of long-range precision strike missions without escort. It has a 23,000-pound payload and can fly at a maximum speed of Mach 2.3, with a combat radius of 1,800 kilometers. A single aircraft costs $100 million.

The new fleet of F-15Ks will become crucial national defense assets as the military prepares to assume wartime operational control of its armed forces by April 17, 2012, DAPA said. It will beef up precision strike capabilities of the Air Force, replacing its aging fleet of F-4s and F-5s, the agency said.

DAPA said it also decided to purchase high-tech air-to-surface guided missiles that will be used by F-15Ks, from overseas weapon makers. The Air Force seeks to procure AGM-158 JASSM-class missiles between 2010 and 2011. JASSM is an acronym meaning Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, a cruise missile developed in the United States, whose operational range is over 370 kilometers. Its accuracy is known have error probability of only 2.4 meters.

JASSM is also seen as a crucial asset to cope with North Korea's nuclear threat.

The Air Force said it plans to begin the third phase of F-X program in 2011 to purchase fifth-generation fighter jets equivalent to the F-22 and the F-35. Under the plan, 60 units featuring radar-evading stealth functions will be introduced between 2014 and 2019, it said.

-ends-


The South Korean government today approved the purchase of 21 additional Boeing F-15K Strike Eagles and of air-launched stand-off missiles like the JASSM. (Boeing photo)

Related.....



South Korea Wants Initial Batch of AIM-9X Sidewinders

(Source: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency; dated May 13, web-posted May 14, 2008)


WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Korea of AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles as well as associated equipment and services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $25 million.

The Republic of Korea has requested a possible sale of 35 All-Up-Round AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles, 1 AIM-9M Sidewinder Missile (Legacy), 12 AIM-9X Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs), 2 AIM-9X Sidewinder Dummy Air Training Missiles (DATMs), Missile Containers, missile modifications, test and support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, maintenance, personnel training and training equipment, contractor engineering and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $25 million.

The Republic of Korea is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in that region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability, which will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives. No foreign policy or military developments affect this proposed sale.

The sale of the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile system is being addressed in conjunction with the planned sale of additional F-15K fighter aircraft. AIM-9X procurement will significantly enhance the Korean Air Force's current air-to-air intercept capability to equal capabilities within their region of operations. Korea will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Electronic Systems Company of Tucson, Arizona.

Offset agreements associated with this proposed sale are expected, but at this time the specific offset agreements are undetermined and will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and contractor.

Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of any additional U. S. Government personnel in-country.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

-ends-

Still the most successful fighter in history.

All I can say is "Suh-weet!"

Related...


$200M Air-Launched Weapons Package for Korea

(Source: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency; dated June 20, web-posted June 23, 2008)


WASHINGTON --- On June 20, 2008, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea of various munitions and weapon systems as well as associated equipment and services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $200 million.

The Republic of Korea has requested a possible sale of:

-- 125 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM),
-- 14 AIM-120C Captive Air Training Missiles,
-- 2 AIM-120C Dummy Air Training Missiles,
-- 35 AGM-65G MAVERICK Missiles,
-- 6 TGM-65G MAVERICK Training Missiles,
-- 280 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits,
-- 2 JDAM Load Build Trainers,
-- 2 GBU-24 Laser Guided Bomb Units (PAVEWAY III),
-- 32 GBU-12 Laser Guided Bomb Units (PAVEWAY II),
-- 2 GBU-10 Laser Guided Bomb Units (PAVEWAY II), and
-- 12,700 RR-170 Radar Jamming Chaff,

containers, bomb components, spare/repair parts, publications, documentation, personnel training, training equipment, contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related support elements. The estimated cost is $200 million.

The Republic of Korea is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in that region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability, which will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives. No foreign policy or military developments affect this proposed sale.

The proposed sale of weapon system support is being addressed in conjunction with the planned Direct Commercial Sale of 21 additional F-15K fighter aircraft. The proposed sale will significantly enhance the Korean Air Force's current air-to-air intercept capability to equal capabilities within their region of operations.

Korea will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces.

The principal contractor is the Raytheon Corporation in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

There are four U.S. Air Force pilots and five maintenance Extended Training Service Specialists in the Republic of Korea. They are expected to remain for the next five years.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

-ends-

F-15's simply ****ing RULE!