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Korean Air, LIG Nex1 team up to compete for Air Force's electronic warfare aircraft project

Published: 21 Aug. 2025, 09:52 Updated: 21 Aug. 2025, 16:33

A render of an electronic warfare aircraft the company is competing to develop with LIG Nex1 for the Air Force. [KOREAN AIR]

Korean Air said Thursday it has partnered with LIG Nex1 to compete for a 1.78 trillion won ($1.27 billion) government project to develop an electronic warfare aircraft for the Air Force.

The two companies plan to submit their final proposal for the project in early September. If chosen as the main contractors, Korean Air will handle the integration and modification of the aircraft, while LIG Nex1 will develop and install the electronic warfare systems.

The project will involve converting a mid-sized commercial jet into a special mission aircraft. Once completed, the aircraft will be able to intercept and analyze enemy radar and communications signals, and jam them during wartime to disable air defenses and disrupt command networks.

Electronic warfare aircraft are considered essential in modern battlefields because they can paralyze enemy radars, communications and other electronic equipment. Instead of building a new plane, the Air Force decided to modify an existing commercial aircraft, which is faster and more efficient.

LIG Nex1 has already developed advanced electronic warfare systems for the KF-21 fighter jet, naval ships, submarines and reconnaissance aircraft. Korean Air has long experience in heavy aircraft maintenance, upgrades of military planes and the development of drones.

"With more than 50 years of accumulated technology and infrastructure, Korean Air will play a leading role in strengthening our military's advanced capabilities and help raise the global standing of Korea's defense industry," a Korean Air official said.

Yonhap