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South Korea selects Bombardier Global 6500 jets for new electronic warfare fleet
Korean Air will acquire two Bombardier Global 6500 jets for conversion into electronic attack aircraft, expanding South Korea's advanced military aviation capabilities.
The gist
South Korea adds two Bombardier Global 6500 jets to build advanced electronic warfare aircraft under new defense program.
Continuing coverage
All Bombardier Global 6500 →South Korea has finalized plans to enhance its electronic warfare capabilities by selecting the Bombardier Global 6500 business jet as the platform for two specialized electronic attack aircraft. Korean Air will procure the jets directly from Bombardier, marking a significant step in the country’s stand-off electronic warfare program. This initiative aims to disrupt enemy radars, communications, and other critical electronic systems from a safe distance beyond immediate threat zones.
The decision was announced during a signing ceremony in Seoul, where Bombardier confirmed the contract with Korean Air and highlighted close collaboration with domestic defense firm LIG Nex1. While the exact contract value, delivery timelines, and specifics of the onboard electronic warfare suites remain undisclosed, the partnership indicates a concerted effort to incorporate cutting-edge sensor and jamming technologies into the aircraft.
The Global 6500 was chosen in part due to its superior performance characteristics and versatile platform design. Michael Anckner, Bombardier Defense's Vice President of Worldwide Sales, emphasized the aircraft's global demand and adaptability. Powered by dual Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engines, the jet offers excellent range and altitude capabilities, alongside a roomy cabin that can accommodate advanced mission systems and multiple operator consoles without requiring a bespoke airframe.
This announcement follows South Korea's previous contract for four Global 6500 jets as the backbone of its airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) fleet. Those aircraft, delivered with mission systems supplied by L3Harris, will serve as airborne command centers, monitoring airspace and coordinating military operations. Together with the new electronic warfare jets, South Korea will operate a total of six Global 6500-based military aircraft across distinct mission sets.
The Global 6500 platform’s adaptability has attracted increasing interest from military operators worldwide for roles including surveillance, command-and-control, and electronic warfare. Its combination of long endurance, spacious interiors, and high performance makes it well-suited to host sophisticated sensors, signal intelligence suites, and electronic countermeasure equipment. South Korea’s investment confirms its intent to leverage these strengths in regional defense.
Bombardier has gained experience with military variants of the Global 6500 through other allied programs, notably the U.S. Army's High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES). This program, aimed at intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, received its initial Global 6500 delivery in 2024. The aircraft’s prior military adaptations serve as valuable precedents for South Korea's conversions.
The adoption of the Global 6500 enhances South Korea's strategic posture by offering flexible, long-range platforms capable of conducting stand-off electronic attacks. Such capabilities are critical in modern warfare for suppressing enemy air defenses and maintaining battlefield information dominance. Incorporating these jets into its military aviation portfolio aligns with broader regional security trends, where electronic warfare grows in importance.
Selecting a commercially-proven business jet as the basis for sophisticated military missions also reflects economic and operational efficiencies. It reduces the need for developing brand new airframes, accelerates delivery schedules, and leverages existing maintenance and training infrastructure. This approach benefits South Korea by providing rapid capability growth while controlling costs.
With six Global 6500 military jets soon integrated across two specialized roles, South Korea is positioning itself as a regional leader in high-tech aerial command, control, and electronic warfare. The strategic investments underscore the military’s commitment to modernization and its focus on ensuring airspace superiority through advanced aerospace platforms.
Frequently asked questions
- What aircraft did South Korea select for its electronic warfare program?
- South Korea selected the Bombardier Global 6500 business jet for conversion into electronic warfare aircraft.
- How many Global 6500 jets will South Korea use for electronic warfare missions?
- South Korea will acquire two Global 6500 jets for electronic warfare missions under the new program.
- What other military program uses the Global 6500 in South Korea?
- South Korea previously selected four Global 6500 jets for an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) fleet.
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