Boeing to Compete in South Korea Tanker Competition; Eric John Comments

Boeing has formally offered the company’s KC-46 tanker to South Korea as the country prepares to acquire four aircraft for its first tanker squadron.

South Korea’s defense acquisition agency received the offer after it issued a request for proposals for aerial refueling tankers and the agency aims to finish the competition later this year, Boeing said Monday.

Eric John, president of Boeing Korea, said the company aims to help South Korea strengthen its defense capabilities and aerospace industry with the KC-46.

“We’ve been a strategic and industrial partner with the Republic of Korea for more than six decades,” said John.

“With the KC-46, Korea will acquire a force-multiplier and the ability to operate seamlessly with the U.S. Air Force during combat and humanitarian relief operations,” he added.

The KC-46 works to complete refueling missions, as well as cargo, passenger transport and aeromedical evacuations.

Chuck Johnson, Boeing vice president of Air Force Programs, said the tanker is based on the 767 airframe and “has an in-service readiness rate of approximately 99 percent as an airliner, freighter and tanker.”

Last year, Boeing spent more than $400 million with South Korean companies, more than the $340 million in spent in 2012.

More than 50 Korean companies provided products and services for Boeing production and sustainment programs, research and development and other internal services that support Boeing operations.

Boeing will build and deliver to the Air Force 179 KC-46As by 2027 if the Air Force exercises all options.