South Korea Selects ELTA Systems Radar Solutions for Early Warning Aircraft

Defense News ,South Korea & Israel :- ETLA Systems, a division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is set to equip the new South Korean Air Force Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft with state-of-the-art radar systems. These cutting-edge radar systems are derived from those utilized by the Israeli Air Force and various international clients in their AEW&C operations.

A collaborative effort between L3Harris Technologies, Korean Air, and Israel Aerospace Industries ELTA Systems Ltd. (IAI/ELTA) is underway to integrate and deliver the next generation of highly survivable, high-altitude AEW&C aircraft for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force. The Korea AEW&C team, boasting two decades of experience, has previously delivered special mission aircraft, including Italian Air Force CAEW aircraft supporting NATO missions and Israeli Air Force CAEW aircraft engaged in local operations, all maintaining impressive mission availability rates exceeding 90 percent.

L3Harris has also played a role in delivering P-3CK revitalization, P-3C upgrades, RC-800 Baekdu programs, and special surveillance aircraft to the ROK. The proposed ROK Air Force AEW&C solution is designed around a proven mission system that operates in multiple theaters, offering a potent capability with cost-effective development and sustainment. The mission system is integrated using a modular open systems approach (MOSA) digital backbone, enabling affordable and swift upgrades to address evolving threats, operational strategies, and interoperability requirements. Utilizing a business jet platform provides a cost advantage over commercial derivative solutions, ensuring high readiness rates, and offering a superior altitude and longer-range surveillance capability.

The AEW&C solution is anchored in a battle-tested L3Harris platform design utilizing Bombardier premier Global 6500 high-altitude business jet. This incorporates IAI/ELTA advanced radar technology and artificial intelligence algorithms, establishing it as the world most advanced airborne battle management platform. The Global 6500 is a modern aircraft that surpasses existing AEW&C platforms in terms of altitude, speed, endurance, and cost-effectiveness in acquisition, operation, and maintenance.

The program, conceived with the goal of transitioning to a predominantly Korean industry-led initiative after the prototype aircraft delivery, involves structural modifications in Texas for the first two aircraft before integration and radar testing at an ELTA facility in Israel. Korean Air, actively involved from the outset, will contribute to engineering and lead in-country modification, testing, and sustainment activities for aircraft three and four, further solidifying its role in this collaborative venture.