South Korea is converting civilian jets into radar killers

Inconspicuous business jets will soon be transformed into powerful electronic warfare weapons in South Korea. Instead of transporting VIPs, the machines are massively modified to detect and attack enemy radar systems.

Modified business jets become radar jammers

South Korea is pushing ahead with the modernization of its armed forces and starting to produce specialized aircraft for electronic warfare. The goal of the initiative is to build a fleet capable of disrupting enemy air defense systems and communications networks while conducting electronic reconnaissance. The new machines are based on modified business jets that will be equipped with extensive sensors and jammers. Unlike previous reconnaissance aircraft, which primarily collected data passively, these models are designed for active electronic attack. They are intended to act as so-called “jammers” to blind enemy radar systems and thus enable their own fighter jets to fly safely through heavily defended airspace.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) provided official confirmation of the start of the development phase. In a recent announcement explained that the kick-off meeting for the development has already been held and the project is now officially starting. South Korea’s intention is to develop key technologies in its own country and to gradually reduce its dependence on international defense partners. The project has an estimated investment volume of around 1.3 billion US dollars (around 1.1 billion euros) and is expected to be completed in the coming years.

Technical specifications in detail

The technical equipment of the new fleet is designed for maximum versatility. In addition to powerful jammers operating on different frequency bands, the jets have systems for precise location and analysis of electromagnetic emissions. The core tasks of the new aircraft include:

• Electronic Attack (EA): Actively jamming and deceiving enemy radar and radio systems.
• Electronic Support (ES): Detecting, identifying and locating threats through passive sensors.

The combination of these capabilities creates a comprehensive situational picture that can be passed on to other units in real time. The focus of development is on networking with ground-based systems and other aircraft.