26 April 2023

South Korea to develop ‘Compass Call'-type EW aircraft

by Akhil Kadidal

A new electronic warfare aircraft to be developed and built in South Korea could be based on the Dassault Falcon 2000 business jet. The Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) already operates the Falcon 2000 as an intelligence and surveillance aircraft. (Korean Air)

South Korea has launched a project to develop a new electronic warfare (EW) aircraft using a business jet as the baseline platform.

The project was revealed by South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on 13 April. According to DAPA, the project was discussed during the 152nd Defense Project Promotion Committee meeting held that day.

DAPA told Janes that the new aircraft would serve as a “stand-off jammer aircraft”, similar to the US Air Force's (USAF's) ‘Compass Call' aircraft. The agency said that the aircraft will be developed from 2024 to 2032 at a cost of KRW1.5 trillion (USD1.12 billion). Janes has learnt that four aircraft will be developed and acquired.

An industry source told Janes that the EW equipment will be developed by South Korea's Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and LIG Nex1. LIG Nex1 has developed an EW suite for the KAI KF-21 for the aircraft's “self-defence”, which it calls the ALQ-200. The new project will be a more comprehensive system for offensive jamming at long ranges.

LIG Nex1 had not responded to Janes request for information about the new system at the time of publication. DAPA said that information on the capabilities being planned for the new aircraft are “restricted”.

However, DAPA said that the new aircraft are intended to improve the survivability of the Republic of Korea Air Force's (RoKAF's) combat air assets in the event of a future conflict. The project will also create a foundation for future EW response systems, DAPA added.

South Korea has launched a project to develop a new electronic warfare (EW) aircraft using a busines...

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