Korean Air and L3Harris Technologies held an 'L3 Industry Day' event at the Air Force Hotel in Seoul to discuss strengthening the South Korean Air Force's airborne surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) currently operates four Boeing E-737 'Peace Eye' airborne control aircraft. A second phase of the project, with a budget of KRW 2.9 trillion, is underway to procure additional aircraft by 2031.
L3Harris has proposed a solution for the second phase, integrating Bombardier's Global 6500 aircraft with Israel Aerospace Industries radar systems.
Korean Air, leveraging its 2022 cooperation agreement with L3Harris, will contribute to aircraft modification, parts manufacturing, and operational training. This project is expected to provide the domestic defense industry with opportunities for technology transfer, enhancing indigenous capabilities and facilitating integration into global supply chains.
"This strategic collaboration will enable Korean Air to acquire and develop cutting-edge technologies in the modification, systems integration, and comprehensive maintenance of advanced special mission aircraft," said the Head of Korean Air’s Aerospace Business Division, Jung Woo Park.
"As a frontrunner in Korea's aviation sector, we are dedicated to cultivating strategic alliances within the defense industry and bolstering the entire aerospace aftermarket value chain," he added.