EADS Questions S. Korean F-X Elimination, Stands By Bid

EADS has questioned the South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA)’s decision to eliminate it over procedural issues from the $7.5 billion FX fighter competition.

"I would like to stress that Eurofighter's intention has been to provide DAPA, to consider within its discretion, fully within the boundaries of the Request for Proposal (RFP), a bid package that would meet the declared essential budget," Christian Scherer, the chief sales officer and head of International Operations at EADS was quoted as saying by Yonhap News.

South Korea is seeking 45 one-seater aircraft and 15 two-seaters. But EADS proposed only six two-seater aircraft.The company claims that there was no operational rationale to opt for the number of twin-seaters since Eurofighter is designed for single pilot operations and the function of its simulators have been well proved by operating air forces.

Offering alternative solutions is a "simple, legitimate and constructive response" to requirements expressed, and EADS has always been very transparent about this, Schererwas quoted as saying.

DAPA first notified the bidders that the price factor accounts for 30 percent of the total score, but it later changed its stance and made meeting the budget limit the most important requirement for the deal, the reports said.

"We have continuously pointed this out, but obviously we have also always considered offering the twin-seaters number requested by DAPA," Scherer said. "We do not see any promises made but only different scenarios with preferences which have been discussed respectfully by the parties all along the negotiation process”.

EADS, which is leading the South Korean bid for the Eurofighter joint venture that also includes BAE Systems and Finmeccanica SpA, was fully compliant with the country’s rules, Scherer said.

The package provided by Eurofighter would help South Korea to come to the most cost-effective choice for the F-X program.

EADS said its offer includes about $2 billion in investments into a future indigenous South Korean fighter development, the KF-X. The company also had offered to assemble 53 of the 60 planes in South Korea.