South Korea has approved a 1.9 trillion won program to develop a dedicated electronic warfare aircraft for the Republic of Korea Air Force, targeting operational deployment around 2034. Announced by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, the initiative aims to deliver a large stand-off platform capable of wide-area jamming and electromagnetic surveillance. The aircraft is intended to detect, analyze, and disrupt enemy radar and communications networks, strengthening Seoul’s ability to suppress air defenses in high-intensity conflict. LIG Nex1 has been identified as the lead mission-system contractor, with Korean Air expected to handle airframe modification and integration. The program emphasizes domestic industrial capability and is structured to allow future Block-II upgrades as threats evolve.
