L3Harris Technologies announced a teaming agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries’ ELTA Systems Group (IAI/ELTA) and Korean Air Lines to deliver the next generation of survivable, high-altitude airborne early warning and control aircraft to the Republic of Korea’s Air Force. Led by prime contractor L3Harris, the team has delivered a variety of special mission aircraft to its customers over the last 20 years, including the Korea P-3C upgrade program and the delivery of a fleet of missionized Falcon 2000 aircraft for regional customers with specific surveillance requirements. The solution for the Republic of Korea’s Air Force is based on a proven L3Harris platform design using Bombardier’s premier Global 6500™ high-altitude business jet.
The airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system solution includes the integration of Israel Aerospace Industries’ ELTA Systems’s advanced radar technology and artificial intelligence algorithms. The first two aircraft will receive structural modifications in Texas before transferring to an ELTA facility in Israel for integration and radar testing. Korean Air will lead modification and testing activities of the remaining aircraft in the Republic of Korea. Bombardier’s large-cabin business jet platforms are trusted around the world to fly Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, Electronic Warfare (EW) and Airborne Early Warning (AEW) missions. The arrangement will grow a new airborne early warning and control aircraft mission integration capability in the Republic of Korea, providing it with higher aircraft readiness rates and lower operational costs.
“For more than two decades, this team has been delivering missionized aircraft to strengthen the Republic of Korea’s ability to defend its freedom,” said Luke Savoie, ISR President, L3Harris. “We’re pleased to partner with this industry team to deliver next-generation airborne capabilities to strengthen the ability to respond to future threats.”
L3Harris Technologies (L3Harris) is an American technology company, defense contractor, and information technology services provider that produces C6ISR systems and products, wireless equipment, tactical radios, avionics and electronic systems. For nearly 40 years, L3Harris has been the qualified supplier of the E-3 AWACS rotary coupler. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is Israel’s major aerospace and aviation manufacturer, producing aerial and astronautic systems for both military and civilian usage. IAI pioneered the current worldwide trend of using high performance fuel-efficient business jets for Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) solutions. Korean Air is involved in aerospace research and manufacturing. The division, known as the Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD), has manufactured licensed versions of the MD Helicopters MD 500 and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, as well as the aft fuselage and wings for the KF-16 fighter aircraft manufactured by Korean Aerospace Industries and parts for various commercial aircraft.
