Korean Air "50 Years of Know-How"...1.8 Trillion 'Electronic Warfare Research Project' Bid

[Financial News] Korean Air has thrown its hat into the ring for a 1.8 trillion won scale Korean-style electronic warfare research and development project with LIG Nex1.
Korean Air announced on the 21st that it will participate in the bid for the 'Electronic Warfare (Block-I) System Development Project' to secure the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) power of the Republic of Korea Air Force in collaboration with LIG Nex1. The proposal is expected to be submitted by early September.
This project is being promoted in a format where the government invests 1.7775 trillion won and domestic companies conduct research and development. If the Korean Air-LIG Nex1 consortium is finally selected as the system integrator for this project, Korean Air will be responsible for system integration and aircraft modification and production, while LIG Nex1 will handle system development and electronic warfare equipment development and installation.
The electronic warfare system development project involves equipping aircraft with mission equipment to collect and analyze threat signals from neighboring countries and develop large special mission aircraft that paralyze and disrupt enemy air defense networks and wireless command communication systems through electronic attacks (jamming) during wartime. Electronic warfare aircraft can neutralize enemy aircraft and ground radar and even disrupt communication systems, making them essential equipment in modern battlefields.
Korean Air and LIG Nex1 are currently evaluated as the only companies in the country capable of developing electronic warfare aircraft.
LIG Nex1 is a leading domestic defense company that has successfully carried out the development of various national strategic weapon electronic warfare equipment, including the KF-21 integrated electronic warfare equipment. Through this, it is evaluated to have the highest level of technology in the field of electronic warfare equipment in the country.
Korean Air is also seen as a unique company capable of successfully carrying out this project, as it is capable of manufacturing civil aircraft parts, upgrading and maintaining military aircraft, developing unmanned aerial vehicles, and performing medium maintenance and modification of civil aircraft domestically.
Korean Air's know-how, which has been developed over 50 years of performing military aircraft system development, production, maintenance, and performance upgrades, and building capabilities in various civil aircraft modifications and production, is also a strength. Korean Air has secured 'Flight Safety Suitability Certification (Airworthiness Certification)' by performing similar projects such as the P-3C maritime patrol aircraft performance upgrade and the Baekdu Phase 1 project, converting civil aircraft into military aircraft and verifying aircraft stability. From 2020 to 2023, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it successfully converted 10 Boeing B777 passenger planes and 6 Airbus A330s into cargo planes and obtained airworthiness certification.
Additionally, Korean Air has accumulated extensive experience in operating and maintaining aerial refueling aircraft and the presidential aircraft, supporting special aircraft derived from civil aircraft. In May, it was finally selected as the preferred negotiator for the UH-60 multi-purpose helicopter performance upgrade project by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, recognizing its technical capabilities.
Korean Air's solid business infrastructure is also a strength. Korean Air has over 100 specialized mission aircraft personnel and research personnel in various fields such as unmanned aerial vehicles, space launch vehicles, and future air mobility (AAM) at its Busan Tech Center and Daejeon R&D Center.
A Korean Air official said, "This electronic warfare project is the first in the country and a globally notable challenge," adding, "With the technology and infrastructure accumulated over the past 50 years, Korean Air will lead the way in securing advanced power for our military and contribute to enhancing the global status of the Republic of Korea's defense industry."
hoya0222@fnnews.com Dong-ho Kim, Reporter