The US government has approved the export of the F-15SE Silent Eagle to Korea as Boeing ramps up its bid to sell the aircraft for that country’s F-X III requirement.
The F-X III outlines a requirement of up to 60 ‘stealth’ fighters. The F-15SE has been modified with internal weapons bays in the front of the conformal fuel tanks, canted vertical stabilisers and extensive low observable coatings and detailing in the forward sector to meet a near fifth generation like requirement, but will probably be pitched against the F-35 JSF.
The Korea Times reports Boeing had requested an export licence for the F-15SE last year, and that it was approved in a two-staged process in July and August.
Korea already operates 40 F-15K Eagles, an enhanced development of the F-15E Strike Eagle acquired under F-X I, and has another 20 on order which were purchased under F-X II.
