South Korea recently sole sourced Boeing [BA] a five-year contract to continue long-term sustainment of the nation’s 60 F-15K aircraft, according to a company spokesman.

Boeing spokesman Christian Chapman declined Tuesday to provide the contract’s value. He said Boeing will provide spares and repair services necessary to ensure a high state of F-15K readiness. 

A South Korean Air Force (ROKAF) F-15K Slam Eagle fighter aircraft takes off Oct. 11, 2016, during RED FLAG-Alaska (RF-A) 17-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Photo: Air Force.
A South Korean Air Force (ROKAF) F-15K Slam Eagle fighter aircraft takes off Oct. 11, 2016, during RED FLAG-Alaska (RF-A) 17-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Photo: Air Force.

Tim Buerk, Boeing director of F-15 sustainment in the Far East, said in a company statement that this approach guarantees materials and technical support required for aircraft maintenance over many years while managing costs. Chapman said these technical services will include supply chain management and forecasting, field service, engineering and technical support and obsolescence management.

Buerk said the deal also provides opportunities for Boeing to utilize local industry to help maintain and manufacture F-15K components, cutting down on cycle times. Chapman said Hyundai Glovis, a Seoul-based supplier, will provide in-country logistics management support services and that other companies will be considered for material or repair services based on their ability to compete on cost and performance.

Boeing has been sustaining South Korea’s F-15K fleet since 2012.