Boeing

Boeing [NYSE: BA] accepted the first F-15K fighter jet wing and forward fuselage made by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) at a ceremony April 18 in Sachon, South Korea.

Boeing selected KAI to produce aircraft components for 32 of the 40 Republic of Korea Air Force F-15Ks. Once completed, the wings and forward fuselages are sent to St. Louis where the new fighters complete final assembly.

"This delivery was critical because it allows our team to build the best multi-role fighters for the Republic of Korea," said Steve Winkler, Boeing F-15K program manager. "It's also historic because Korea Aerospace Industries is the first company outside of Boeing to build these F-15 components. They've done an extraordinary job."

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) selected the F-15K Strike Eagle for its Next Generation Fighter Program in 2002. Under a $3.6 billion contract, Boeing will deliver 40 aircraft to the ROKAF beginning this year through August 2008. The first F-15K completed its first flight last month.

An advanced derivative of the U.S. Air Force F-15E, the F-15K is the world's most capable long-range, multi-role fighter. It can perform air-to-ground, air-to-air, and air-to-sea missions during day or night, in virtually any weather. It can carry more than 23,000 pounds of payload, reach Mach 2.5, and incorporates the latest military technologies.