Looks like Boeing is the top contender for Korea's AWACS project:

"IAI ELTA of Israel failed to satisfy some of the four conditions the government attached in June when it passed combat capability tests," a well-placed defense official said, asking to remain anonymous.

So, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) would choose Boeing as the successful bidder for the 2 trillion won (US$2 billion) project, code-named E-X, to introduce four surveillance planes to South Korea by 2012, the official said.

DAPA will probably be able to officially announce the winner later this month, but South Korean officials said it will likely take more time in consideration of the timetable for price negotiations and other terms of the contract.

Last month, South Korea tested and 　eval　uated two surveillance plane models vying for the project, and its military procurement authorities gave the green light to the endorsement already made by the Air Force.