The third stage of South Korea’s FX project got underway Monday with the Defense Acquisition and Program Administration holding a explanatory session for bidders.

The U.S.’ Boeing with the F-15 SE and Lockheed Martin with the F-35, and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company N.V with its Eurofighter are set to compete for the 8 trillion won contract. The Russian firm Sukhoi, which produces the T-5- PAK FA, is reported to have dropped out of the race.

The FX project was launched as part of the South Korean military’s efforts to equip itself to better deal with asymmetric threats from North Korea.

Asymmetric threats refer to weapons such as nuclear weapons and bio and chemical weapons.

In the third stage, the country will acquire about 60 fighter jets and plans to finish their deployment by 2021.

The DAPA plans to receive request for proposals until June 18, and review the documents until July. The request for proposals will be reviewed by a task force comprised of military and civilian experts, the DAPA said.

From July until September, the DAPA will conduct tests and negotiations. The successful bidder will be announced in October.

By Choi He-suk  (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)