Final AEW&C Peace Eye aircraft delivered to ROKAF

Boeing delivered the fourth 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Peace Eye aircraft to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) on 24 October, bringing the delivery programme to a close.

The 737 AEW&C aircraft is designed to provide airborne battle management capability with an advanced multirole electronically scanned radar and 10 state-of-the-art mission crew consoles that are able to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously. The mission crew can direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of the operational area.

Three of the four 737-based Peace Eye aircraft were modified by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) at its facility in Sacheon. The company also supported testing of the aircraft.

A number of other Korean companies made key contributions to the programme, demonstrating the continuing success of Boeing’s partnerships with local industry. These companies included: Korean Air Aerospace Division (technical services, spares and related parts-handling services); LIG Nex1 (networking and training); Samsung Thales (mission crew training); Boeing Training Services Korea (flight crew training); and Huneed Technologies (ground-based datalinks communications system).

Rick Heerdt, Boeing vice president of Airborne Surveillance, Command and Control, said: ‘We delivered five weeks ahead of schedule thanks to the hard work, focus and close collaboration among the ROKAF, Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration, Boeing and our in-country suppliers. Throughout the programme, KAI demonstrated its outstanding technical capability and modification experience in delivering this powerful airborne surveillance and battle management capability that enhances the security of the Korean peninsula.’

The AEW&C team has also delivered all ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance to ROKAF Base Gimhae, the Peace Eye fleet's main operating base. Boeing is providing on-site technical support, training and spare parts as part of an interim support programme, allowing for seamless support of the Peace Eye fleet as it transitions to a through-life support programme.