Facing great difficulty in finding North Korean submarines, the South Korean navy is pushing for a big increase in its maritime aviation force. Competition with Japan, although not mentioned, may also be a factor. The country will have a force of 16 upgraded Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion maritime aircraft by 2018 under an L-3 Communications and Korean Air program to refit eight aircraft that have yet to be modernized. Separately, the South Korean navy is seeking 20 more maritime aircraft, which would considerably augment its anti-submarine capability. Work began in April on P-3Cs that South Korea has operated since 1995, says Ernie Lock, L-3's program manager. The U.S. company is due to deliver components for the first aircraft within 22 months; the last unit should be upgraded within 60 months. The defense ministry values the program at $400 million, including manuals and training.
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