F-15 SE's weak stealth function serves biggest hurdle in S. Korean deal

U.S. aerospace giant Boeing came close to grabbing South Korea's next generation fighter plane contract with the cheapest offer, but the F-15 Silent Eagle failed to overcome its inadequate stealth capabilities to win the 8.3 trillion won (US$7.2 billion) deal amid growing security concerns.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on Tuesday decided not to select Boeing's F-15 SE as the country's next fighter jet, as combat capabilities of the sole-remaining candidate within the budget were surpassed by its rival--Lockheed Martin's F-35.

The need to acquire the most advanced jet took on new urgency as North Korea conducted its third nuclear test in February and continues to develop its missile program, military officials said.

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