The process of developing electronic warfare aircraft, which only the United States, Russia, and China are currently operating in combat, has officially begun with domestic technology. Electronic warfare aircraft, which disable enemy air defense radars and other systems, is a technology being developed by many countries abroad, and it is an area where technology sharing does not occur. If successful in development with domestic technology, it is expected to greatly assist future exports in the aviation sector.
According to the defense agency on the 20th, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced the electronic warfare aircraft development project on the 15th of last month. The project aims to secure four electronic warfare aircraft by 2034, with a government budget of 1.9 trillion won (1.7775 trillion won as per the announcement). This includes the scope from system development to mass production.
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanwha System, LIG Nex1, and Korean Air have formed respective consortiums to participate. These consortiums are expected to submit their bidding proposals by early next month, and they are reportedly in the final stages of review. Business selection is expected to take place around October this year.
Electronic warfare aircraft are deployed to the battlefield before fighter jets in times of crisis, using various electronic equipment attached to them to neutralize enemy air defense radars or communication systems. This weapon system, also known as electronic warfare, is essential in modern warfare.
The goal is to develop electronic warfare aircraft that cover all areas of the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea, to enhance the military's electronic warfare capabilities. Countries such as Germany, Italy, and Japan have also started developing electronic warfare aircraft, but they have not yet succeeded.
This project, managed by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, is being conducted under the leadership of the companies. It is not designed by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), but rather by defense companies that handle everything from design to system integration. The project is largely divided into airframe and electronic equipment. In this project, commercial aircraft will be modified into electronic warfare aircraft. The selected airframe is Bombardier's G6500, a Canadian aircraft manufacturer. This model was selected because it has previously been modified into an electronic warfare aircraft in the U.S.
In the airframe field, KAI and Korean Air will compete. The core of this field is the modification work that changes the design of the airframe and integrates the electronic equipment to be attached. There is also an airworthiness certification process, which involves obtaining certification from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration that the aircraft can fly smoothly. Korean Air emphasizes that it has experience in modifying commercial aircraft and that this project, which involves converting commercial aircraft into electronic warfare aircraft, plays to its strengths.
KAI emphasizes its experience in system integration for various fighter aircraft operated by the Air Force. This project is expected to have the character of technology acquisition for the future development of KF-21-based electronic warfare aircraft, suggesting it has advantages as the manufacturer of the KF-21.
A KAI official noted, "The purpose of equipping the aircraft is ultimately for smooth flight, and system integration technology is key," adding, "The delays in electronic warfare projects abroad are largely due to the lengthy process of system integration."
In the electronic equipment field, Hanwha System and LIG Nex1 are competing. The company that wins the project is expected to develop equipment for collecting and analyzing electronic information such as enemy countries' radars and equipment for jamming (disruption neutralization). The equipment names are classified, as they are based on the military's requirement for operational capabilities (ROC).
It is expected to be various equipment enabling wideband electronic attack (EA). An industry official stated, "Collecting and analyzing various waves and signals within 100 to 200 kilometers is key."
LIG Nex1 is showcasing its achievements in developing domestic electronic warfare equipment, such as SONATA, which is known for disabling pirates' radars during the operation in the Aden Gulf in 2011. LIG Nex1 has since expanded its research and development workforce to 400 over the past decade to develop electronic warfare equipment.
Hanwha System is emphasizing its development of digital-based high-power jamming transmitters and active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology.