Defence

South Korea could approach the USA to seek access to the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor or F-35 Joint Strike Fighter as it looks beyond its current procurements and responds to Japan's expansion plans.

Defence minister Kim Jang Soo is paying close attention to Tokyo's pursuit of the F-22, according to local media reports, which claim he wants Seoul to keep pace with its regional neighbour. However, industry sources in South Korea say the type's high cost is likely to be a major hurdle and that a more likely scenario would see the country purchase the F-35 after completing its current F-X fighter contest.

Boeing is alone in expressing an interest in the latest tender, offering the F-15 to meet a 20-aircraft requirement from 2012. Seoul's last aircraft from an initial batch of 40 F-15Ks will be delivered next year.