By JUNG SUNG-KI and AARON MEHTA
SEOUL AND WASHINGTON — South Korean officials are expected to approve a plan this week paving the way for Lockheed Martin to take over its F-16 upgrade program.
A Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) spokesman said his agency is scheduling a top decision-making council Nov. 19 to approve a plan to change the KF-16 partner company, following cancellation of a $1.7 billion BAE Systems contract to give 134 KF-16 fighters new avionics and radar systems.
“We believe the KF-16 upgrade project can’t go forward further under the existing contract,” he said. “That’s why we’re seeking to sign a fresh deal with a new partner.”
While unnamed, the partner is assured to be Lockheed, the original producer of the jets, which has been lobbying behind the scenes since the issues between DAPA and BAE first surfaced in October.
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