BAE Systems wins EPAWSS contract for South Korean F-15Ks

The AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability Systems (EPAWSS) is designed to build a comprehensive, 360-degree picture of the battlespace. (BAE Systems)

BAE Systems has received a contract from Boeing to deliver AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability Systems (EPAWSS) for the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) F-15K ‘Slam Eagle' upgrade programme.

The contract covers integration of the electronic warfare (EW) system across all 59 Slam Eagles in RoKAF service, BAE Systems said on 13 July.

The AN/ALQ-250 is an all-digital electronic countermeasures suite that provides self-protection and electronic attack (EA) capabilities for F-15EX/E aircraft. The system provides “360° threat detection and countermeasures, allowing pilots to conduct missions in hostile and signal-dense electromagnetic environments”, the company said.

Phillip Casalegno, F-15 international programme director at BAE Systems, said the company is “working closely” with Boeing, the RoKAF, and regional industry teams to deliver the system.

According to BAE Systems, “the upgrade will improve South Korea's ability to counter current and future threats and ensure interoperability with US forces”.

The company has not disclosed the value of the contract.

The AN/ALQ-250's inclusion in South Korea's F-15K upgrade programme forms part of a USD2.8 billion US Department of Defense (DoD) contract announced in January to design and develop “an integrated suite of aircraft systems” for the Slam Eagles on behalf of South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). This project is due for completion by December 2037.

According to BAE Systems, EPAWSS is currently in full-rate production for all new F-15EX Eagle II and F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft undergoing modification. “The system has been employed in operational settings,” the company said, adding that capability enhancements are delivered through software and firmware updates.