Boeing delivered three more F-15Ks to Daegu AB, Aug. 20, bringing the Korean Next Fighter II Slam Eagle fleet up to 13 aircraft. The remaining eight aircraft are slated for delivery by the end of April, according to a release. “Boeing has a demonstrated record of on-time, on-cost deliveries to the [Republic of Korea Air Force]. We’re proud of that record, and equally proud of Boeing’s relationship with Korean industry,” said Roger Besancenez, Boeing F-15 program vice president. Six of the new Slam Eagles are expected to participate in an advanced aerial combat training exercise at Nellis AFB, Nev., in late January. Boeing completed delivery of 40 Next Fighter I F-15Ks to the ROKAF in October 2008.
The Air Force’s Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile is behind schedule and may significantly overrun its expected cost, which could partially explain why the service is reviving the hypersonic AGM-183 Air-Launched Rapid-Response Weapon.