South Korea orders two Global 6500 jets for electronic warfare missions
Seoul will purchase two of the long-range Bombardier jets, in addition to the four examples already on order as airborne early warning and control assets. South Korea has formalised an agreement with Canadian airframer Bombardier to purchase two Global 6500 business jets, which will be converted into military electronic warfare (EW) aircraft. Bombardier confirmed the deal on 14 July, saying an agreement was formally signed in Seoul. The Canadian manufacturer partnered with Korean Air and Korean defence contractor LIG Defense & Aerospace on the proposal, beating out a rival bid from Korea Aerospace Industries and Hanwha Systems. Prime contractor LIG secured the competitive win from Seoul’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration in December, with the deal valued at more than $1.1 billion. The two EW-roled Global 6500s are separate from another South Korean military programme that will see American defence contractor L3Harris convert four of the same Bombardier business jets into airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platforms. Powered by twin Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engines, the Global 6500 has emerged as a popular choice for militaries around the world seeking to field special mission aircraft without taking on the high cost of developing and certifying an entirely new design. The US Army’s contractor-owned ATHENA-R/S long-range surveillance assets are also based on the Global 6500 platform. Source: US Army The US had fielded a number of long-range surveillance aircraft based on the Global 6500, while AEW&C offerings from both L3Harris and Swedish manufacturer Saab are derived from the Bombardier business jet. "The Global 6500 aircraft is in demand around the world because of its performance and versatility," says Michael Anckner, vice-president for worldwide sales at Bombardier Defense. "This aircraft is trusted because of its proven military track record, yet it remains highly adaptable as defence needs evolve.” South Korea will use the two EW-configured aircraft to fill the Stand-Off Jammer (SOJ) mission, which enables the disruption of enemy electromagnetic signals while remaining safely removed from air and ground threats. Korean Air will purchase the two Global 6500s from Bombardier, with LIG handling mission systems integration and delivery. The two EW aircraft are expected to enter service by 2034. LIG also provides the integrated EW suite for South Korea’s indigenously developed KAI KF-21 fighter.