South Korea is expected to award a contract by early next year for the refurbishment of eight ex-US Navy P-3B Orions.
Korea Aerospace Industries and Korean Air (KAL) Aerospace are competing for the contracts despite their proposed merger. KAI is teamed with L-3 Communications Integrated Systems and KAL Aerospace with Lockheed Martin.
The aircraft will be refurbished in South Korea and their missions systems upgraded to P-3C standard to match the eight Orions operated by the navy. The project includes structural enhancements, overhaul of the landing gear and engines, and systems design and integration.
The US government approved the sale three years ago and proposals for refurbishment were received in 2002
Source: Flight International
