Korean Air and LIG Nex1 have joined forces to bid on South Korea’s Block-I electronic warfare (EW) aircraft program, a 1.78-trillion-won ($1.31 billion) project to build the country’s first large-scale electronic attack platform.
The companies plan to submit their proposal in early September for a modified mid-sized civilian aircraft designed to detect and analyze enemy signals while disrupting air defense and command networks during conflict.
If selected, Korean Air would handle system integration, modification, and production, while LIG Nex1 would lead development and installation of EW systems.
The program is considered one of South Korea’s most technically challenging defense projects, with only the US Air Force pursuing a comparable capability through its EA-37B aircraft.
“This project is expected to enhance our military’s electronic spectrum warfare capabilities,” a Korean Air official said, as quoted by Pulse.
“Based on our partnership with LIG Nex1, we will also seek to expand into manned and unmanned special mission aircraft and actively explore opportunities in the global defense market.”
Experience Anchors the Bid
Korean Air brings more than five decades of experience converting civilian aircraft for military use, including upgrades for P-3C maritime patrol aircraft and the first Baekdu reconnaissance planes.
The company operates over 710,000 square meters (7.64 million square feet) of certified hangar space and employs more than 100 special mission experts at its Busan and Daejeon facilities, supporting programs in unmanned aerial vehicles, space launch, and advanced air mobility.
It has reportedly delivered more than 5,500 aircraft, including 3,700 to US forces in the Pacific.
LIG Nex1 aims to contribute its EW expertise, having supplied systems for the KF-21 fighter jet, next-generation naval vessels, submarines, and the new Baekdu reconnaissance aircraft.
If awarded, the Block-I program would represent South Korea’s most ambitious step yet in indigenous EW capability.
