SEOUL, Sept. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Wednesday launched a task force to restart a fighter jet project after it turned down Boeing's F-15 Silent Eagle, the sole candidate that came within the 8.3 trillion won (US$7.2 billion) budget, over skepticism over its stealth functions.
Three candidates -- Boeing's F-35 SE, Lockheed Martin's F-35 and EADS' Eurofighter -- vied for the deal to deliver 60 jets over five years starting 2017, but the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) decided to reset the program at the last minute over criticism that it put too much focus on price tags.
The decision came after deliberations over the three jets in which Boeing's F-15 SE was the only candidate that came within the budget with the second-highest score in the combat capability, following Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth jet.
In response to growing concerns over the lack of fighter jets in the coming years, the defense ministry launched a team of procurement officials, Air Force officials and aerospace researchers to reassess required operational capabilities and budget needed to start a new procurement program to replace the aging F-4s and F-5s in time.
During the first meeting, the officials discussed various alternatives, including dividing the number of aircraft, expanding the state funding and purchasing 60 jets through multiple projects, according to participants.
Military officials expect it would take at least one year to select the next fighter jet and sign a deal, though no timeframe has been set for the new program.
Experts say the new program is expected to favor the F-35s' chances, as there are growing calls to acquire stealth jets in response to rising threats by North Korea, as well as from Asian neighbors flexing their military muscle.
Boeing, which came the closest among the bidders to win the deal, urged the procurement agency to provide clearer explanation about its decision to reset the program.
"Boeing has rigorously followed the Defense Acquisition Program Administration's instructions throughout the entire process," Boeing said in a statement. "We await details from DAPA on its basis for the delay while evaluating our next options."
Lockheed Martin and EADS, which welcomed the decision, said they will make a bid again for the new project.
EADS tried to highlight its 2 trillion won investment in Korea's indigenous fighter jet development program to fill its security vacuum.
"We support the view that a fighter procurement is not a one-off expense, but a strategic investment in Korea's defense capability as well as in development of its own aerospace and defense industry," EADS said in a statement. "With the Eurofighter, we offer the most modern combat proven aircraft which is available now. We are therefore convinced it is the perfect answer to Korea's requirements."
