Seoul Maneuvers for Military Independence

South Korea said Feb. 4 it will purchase airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems by 2011. The acquisition is a key component of Seoul's military restructuring, which anticipates less reliance upon U.S. forces. But the bidding process, which includes U.S., Israeli and French defense contractors, will serve as an important test of Seoul's emerging "independent" foreign policy and the country's ability to attract defense partners beyond the United States.