L3Harris Technologies, Korean Air and Israel Aerospace Industries’ ELTA Systems Ltd. (IAI/ELTA) are teamed to integrate and deliver the next generation of survivable, high-altitude airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force. The Korea AEW&C team members have already delivered a variety of special mission aircraft to its customers over the past 20 years. These include, among others, multiple Italian Air Force CAEW aircraft supporting NATO missions, including ongoing operations in eastern Europe, and two Israeli Air Force CAEW aircraft flying missions in support of ongoing local operations. All aircraft have maintained mission availability rates above 90 percent. L3Harris has also delivered P-3CK revitalization and P-3C upgrades, RC-800 Baekdu programs and special surveillance aircraft to the ROK.
“Our team has evaluated future special mission requirements for the Republic of Korea and our selection of the Global 6500 for the program was a decisive one. Between AEW&C Batch II, Stand-Off Jammer and ISTAR, L3Harris has a common Global 6500 configuration based on current programs that satisfies all of these missions, with a communications suite and datalinks compatible with other U.S. and allied programs,” said Mark Kobussen, Managing Director, Strategic Collection & Targeting Programs, L3Harris.
The proposed ROK Air Force AEW&C solution is built around a proven mission system design already operating in multiple theaters, resulting in a powerful capability with low development and sustainment costs. The mission system is integrated using a modular open systems approach (MOSA) digital backbone. Incorporating MOSA enables affordable and rapid upgrades to address pacing threats, latest operational approaches and interoperability requirements while using a business jet platform offers lower cost per operating hour than commercial derivative solutions and high readiness rates along with a higher altitude and longer-range surveillance capability.
The AEW&C solution is based on a battle-tested L3Harris platform design using Bombardier’s premier Global 6500™ high-altitude business jet, and includes the integration of IAI/ELTA’s advanced radar technology and artificial intelligence algorithms, providing the world’s most advanced airborne battle management platform. The Global 6500 is a modern aircraft that will fly higher, faster, longer and at a lower cost to acquire, operate and maintain than existing AEW&C platforms. This mature and proven configuration ensures that the ROK program will be low-risk, low-cost and delivered on-time, all while ensuring maximum support to the Korea Air and Missile Defense initiative.
