S. Korea to select aerial refueling tanker this year

By Kim Eun-jung SEOUL, April 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will sign a contract to buy four aerial refueling tankers within this year to enhance the operational capabilities of its fighter jets, the state arms procurer said Tuesday. The program worth of around US$1 billion is aimed at purchasing four refueling tankers between 2016 and 2018 for the Air Force's fleet of F-15Ks and KF-16s. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said it will accept bids by June, and evaluate performance and price conditions by November to finalize a deal by the end of this year. DAPA held a business presentation to provide the overview of the required operational capability and other contract conditions with company officials vying for the project. "The aerial refueling aircraft program is aimed at acquiring multipurpose tankers that can extend ranges of fighter jets and transport personnel," DAPA said in a release. Potential candidates include Airbus Defense and Space's A-330 MRTT and Boeing's KC-46A. The use of tankers can allow planes to stay airborne for an extra hour and carry more weapons. Greater payload is made possible as a plane can take off with less fuel, thereby lightening its weight. ejkim@yna.co.kr (END)