DAEGU, South Korea, April 4 (UPI) -- The South Korean air force has received the last two F-15K Slam Eagles from Boeing, bringing its Slam Eagle fleet to more than 60 aircraft.
The planes were delivered Monday to Daegu Air Force Base.
"Boeing is proud to have worked with the (South Korean air force) to ensure that their F-15Ks included all the capability and power necessary to defend their homeland through 2040 and beyond," said Roger Besancenez, F-15 Program vice president for Boeing.
Under a five-year performance-based logistics contract awarded in February, Boeing will continue its involvement with the South Korean fleet in cooperation with local industries, such as Hyundai Glovis, which is providing in-country logistics and supply chain distribution for the F-15K fleet.
Boeing, in announcing delivery of the final aircraft ordered, noted that South Korean industry contributed to the aircraft. Doosan DST provided embedded GPS inertial navigation systems; Hanwha provided hydraulic and flight control actuators; Huneed Technologies contributed wire harnesses; wings and forward fuselages were provided by Korea Aerospace Industries; LIG Nex 1 supplied networking and avionics technology; while Samsung Thales provided electronic counter-measure and radar warning receiver gear.
"The F-15 program is a hallmark of the productive partnership that Boeing shares with Korea to foster long-term industrial growth," said Pat Gaines, Boeing Korea president. "F-15Ks help keep Korea safe and produce jobs here and in the United States."
South Korea chose the F-15K over three competitors in June 2002 and ordered 40 of the aircraft. An additional 21 planes were ordered in 2008.
