Korean Air, LIG Nex1 announce collaboration to enter EW aircraft project

A concept image showing Korean Air-LIG Nex1's EW aircraft that the consortium is proposing for South Korea's ‘Block-I Electronic Warfare System Development Project'. (LIG Nex1/Korean Air)

Korean Air and LIG Nex1 have announced that they will form a consortium to compete in South Korea's ‘Block-I Electronic Warfare (EW) System Development Project', which aims to provide the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) with an airborne EW platform.

Seoul is investing a sum of KRW1.7775 trillion (USD1.2 billion) in the project, with selected South Korean companies to conduct research and development for the new platform, according to statements by Korean Air and LIG Nex1. The final proposal for the project is scheduled for submission in early September, according to Korean Air.

South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has been accepting bids for the project since 15 July, according to LIG Nex1. DAPA deliberated and approved the basic strategy for the project in 2023 and subsequently approved the ‘basic system development plan' in June 2025, the company added.

DAPA told Janes in 2023 that the new platform would operate as a “stand-off jammer aircraft”, similar to the US Air Force's (USAF's) new EA-37B ‘Compass Call' aircraft. Janes previously reported that South Korea intends to acquire four aircraft by 2032.

Responsibilities, capabilities

Domestic companies selected for the project will be responsible for EW systems integration and aircraft modifications.

The role of Korean Air in the consortium is to handle systems integration and aircraft modification or manufacturing. LIG Nex1 will be responsible for system development and EW equipment development and installation, according to statements by both companies.