The South Korean government last week issued a request for proposals for the supply of four airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) has made a strategic decision to not offer its full-size Phalcon radar in the $1.7 billion contest, in a move that will avoid a head-on competition with Boeing's 737-based solution. The company is, however, expected to step forward if South Korea decides to reduce its requirement for at least 10 onboard operator consoles to just six (Flight International, 13-19 January).
The Israeli air force last year contracted IAI's Elta subsidiary to develop a smaller version of the Phalcon phased array radar for installation on up to three modified Gulfstream G550 business jets being acquired for the service. A similar configuration may be offered to South Korea if the company does enter the competition.
Other bidders expected to contest the full requirement include L-3 Communications and Thales, while a reduced capability could open the door for other suppliers, such as ATR, Embraer and Saab.
Source: Flight International
