Korean Air’s joint bid with LIG Nex1 to develop an electronic warfare (EW) aircraft has pulled ahead in a competition against local rivals Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems.
Korean Air confirms that it is the highest scoring bidder in the programme, which will provide an unspecified number of aircraft for the Republic of Korea Air Force.
“We remain fully committed until the contract is officially awarded,” it adds.
Korean Air and LIG Nex1 propose to modify a Bombardier Global 6500 business jet for the requirement.
Should the joint bid succeed, Korean Air will take care of system integration, aircraft modification and production, while LIG Nex1 will develop and install the EW gear. LIG Nex1 has experience developing EW systems, including for the developmental KAI KF-21 fighter.
KAI and Hanwha, for their part, have also proposed an EW solution involving the Global 6500.
In peacetime the aircraft will function in the electronic intelligence role. During a conflict, it will disrupt enemy air defence networks and communications.
The mission is similar to that performed by the US Air Force’s L3Harris EA-37B Compass Call electronic attack aircraft.
Korean Air has previously noted that Seoul set aside W1.8 trillion ($1.3 billion) for the EW aircraft programme. In April 2023, Seoul’s Defense Project Promotion Committee had earmarked W1.85 billion to develop an EW aircraft in the 2024-2032 timeframe.
South Korean news outlet Chosun reports that the nation’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration could select the winner in October.
