South Korea Begins Development of Electronic Warfare Aircraft to Suppress Enemy Air Defenses

South Korea has announced the launch of a large-scale $1.29 billion program to develop a new aircraft designed to suppress and disrupt enemy air defense systems.

This was reported by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), according to Defence Blog.

The project is called Block-I and involves the development of large specialized electronic warfare aircraft capable of conducting long-term operations to jam and disrupt the enemy’s integrated control systems.

LIG Nex1, one of South Korea’s key defense contractors, is participating in the planning.

According to the plan, the first Block-I aircraft are to enter service in 2034.

A distinctive feature of the new platform will be its ability to perform large-scale jamming, which will allow it to simultaneously affect several levels of the enemy’s air defense system. The aircraft will be optimized for long flights and will have powerful energy sources to support electronic warfare capabilities.

DAPA also confirmed that after the implementation of Block-I, it plans to create an improved version, Block-II, which will receive new electronic attack technologies and expanded capabilities. Details regarding the budget and timing have not yet been disclosed.