South Korea is set to field its first dedicated stand-off electronic warfare (EW) aircraft, with LIG Nex1 leading development of what is expected to become one of the nation’s most advanced military aviation platforms. The project marks a significant expansion of Seoul’s airborne electronic attack and signal disruption capabilities.
The 1.56 trillion won ($1.1 billion) program was recently formalized under a contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), which calls for delivery of the system by June 2034. The aircraft will be based on a modified Bombardier business jet, converted into a specialized platform capable of operating beyond enemy air defense envelopes.
Under the program, LIG Nex1 will design and integrate the aircraft’s electronic warfare mission systems, while Korean Air will be responsible for system integration, modification, and production of the airframe. The platform is intended to disrupt, deceive, and collect adversary radar and communications signals while remaining outside contested airspace.
Until now, South Korea’s electronic warfare efforts have focused primarily on fighter-mounted EW systems. The growing threat of electronic interference, including prolonged GPS jamming incidents attributed to North Korea, has underscored the need for a stand-off EW aircraft. Often compared to the US Air Force’s EA-37B Compass Call, the program is regarded as one of South Korea’s most technically demanding defense initiatives.
