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The two remaining bidders in Korea¡¯s project to acquire airborne early warning systems, IAI Elta of Israel and Boeing of the U.S., have passed the evaluations, bringing the conclusion of the much delayed E-X project within reach. IAI¡¯s G-550 and Boeing¡¯s E-737 both qualify for the W2-trillion (US$2 billion) contract for four airborne early warning systems to be delivered by 2012, a senior military official said Monday.
The government said previously it would make the decision based on price if both are equally qualified. That would make the situation favorable for the IAI craft, which is reportedly some US$350 million cheaper. However, the fact that it contains U.S. technology not so far approved for export under a Technical Assistance Agreement has already delayed the decision.
An insider with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration said the results of the evaluations by the Air Force were passed on to it on May 12. The Defense Ministry and DAPA will hold final price negotiations with the manufactures and plans to make a final decision by the beginning of July. But a delay in export approval for the IAI plane could delay the decision further.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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