Seoul — The Republic of Korea has formally embarked on the development of its first domestically designed electronic warfare (EW) aircraft, marking a decisive shift in how the country plans to conduct airborne electronic attack, surveillance, and stand-off operations in future conflicts.
The ambitious programme, valued at 1.56 trillion won (approximately USD 1.1 billion), has been initiated by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). Under the contract, LIG Nex1 has been appointed prime contractor, with Korean Air serving as the main industrial partner.
A Dedicated Electronic Warfare Platform for the First Time
For the first time in its military history, South Korea will field a dedicated, stand-alone electronic warfare aircraft, rather than relying primarily on fighter-mounted EW pods and self-protection systems. The new aircraft is intended to operate outside hostile air-defence envelopes, providing long-range electronic attack, jamming, deception, and electromagnetic support to combat aircraft, naval forces, and ground units.
The platform will be based on the Bombardier Global 6500 long-range business jet, chosen for its high endurance, long range, ample electrical power generation, and large internal volume—all critical requirements for carrying sophisticated EW mission systems.
Roles and Industrial Responsibilities
Under the programme structure, LIG Nex1 will be responsible for the design, development, and installation of the electronic warfare mission suite. This is expected to include advanced signal detection, threat identification, electronic attack transmitters, mission computers, and secure datalinks, with provisions for remote or distributed operation built into the architecture.
Korean Air, leveraging its experience in special-mission aircraft modification and aerospace manufacturing, will handle aircraft integration, structural modifications, system installation, testing, and series production. The company has previously supported South Korea’s airborne early-warning and intelligence platforms, making it a key industrial pillar of the project.
Competitive Selection and Programme Phasing
The LIG Nex1–Korean Air consortium was selected in September 2025, prevailing over a competing bid submitted by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems.
According to programme plans, four aircraft are envisaged in total.
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Two Block-I aircraft will be delivered first, providing initial operational capability for the Republic of Korea Air Force.
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These will be followed by two more advanced Block-II aircraft, expected to incorporate enhanced electronic attack power, improved automation, and upgraded software-defined capabilities based on operational feedback.
Timeline and Strategic Significance
A prototype aircraft is scheduled for completion by June 2034, after which flight testing and system validation will begin. Once operational, the platform is expected to rank among the most complex and electronically sophisticated military aircraft ever fielded by South Korea.
Strategically, the programme reflects Seoul’s recognition of the growing importance of electromagnetic dominance in modern warfare. Dedicated EW aircraft can blind enemy radars, disrupt communications, degrade missile guidance, and shape the battlespace long before kinetic strikes are launched.
Reducing Reliance and Building Sovereign Capability
Beyond operational benefits, the project carries significant industrial and strategic autonomy implications. By developing an indigenous EW aircraft, South Korea aims to reduce dependence on foreign electronic attack platforms, strengthen its domestic defence electronics sector, and position itself for future export opportunities in the special-mission aircraft market.
As regional military competition intensifies and electronic warfare becomes central to air operations, South Korea’s move signals a clear intent: to secure independent, high-end electromagnetic warfare capability for the decades ahead.
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