SOUTH KOREA is set to re-launch the bidding process for its F-X Phase III fighter competition after the sole contender, the Boeing F-15SE, was sensationally rejected during a meeting of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and Defense Minister Kim Kwan-Jinon on September 24. Boeing had looked to be a shoo-in for the $7.3-billion contract after elimination in August of the rival Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3 and Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. DAPA conducted bids with the three contractors between June and August, but only the F-15SE came within the budget stipulated for 60 aircraft. However, the selection of the Boeing product had always been controversial. Former Republic of Air Force chiefs of staff told the government they considered the F-15SE lacking in stealth, which they judged a pre-requisite for countering North Korea's burgeoning nuclear program. According to DAPA spokesman Baek Yoon-hyung, the committee made the decision to drop the F-15SE bid after 'in-depth discussions on the security situation and the combat environment based on assessments of the jets' mission capabilities and prices.'
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