South Korea selects Bombardier Global 6500 jets for new electronic warfare fleet
South Korea has selected the Bombardier Global 6500 as the platform for a new pair of electronic warfare aircraft. Korean Air will purchase two Global 6500 business jets from Bombardier for conversion under South Korea's stand-off electronic warfare program, the Canadian manufacturer announced on July 14, 2026. The aircraft will be equipped to disrupt enemy radar, communications and other electronic signals while operating beyond the immediate reach of air and ground threats. Bombardier worked with Korean Air and South Korean defense company LIG Nex1 on the winning proposal. The companies marked the agreement during a signing ceremony in Seoul. Bombardier did not disclose the contract value, delivery schedule or details of the electronic warfare equipment that will be installed aboard the aircraft. "The Global 6500 aircraft is in demand around the world because of its performance and versatility," said Michael Anckner, Vice President of Worldwide Sales at Bombardier Defense. South Korea has now selected the Global 6500 for two separate special-mission aircraft programs. The country previously chose four Global 6500s for an airborne early warning and control fleet led by L3Harris. Those aircraft will carry sensors and mission systems used to monitor the airspace and direct military operations. The latest pair of aircraft will perform electronic attack missions, giving South Korea a planned fleet of six Global 6500-based military aircraft across the two programs. The Global 6500 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engines. Its range, high-altitude performance and large cabin allow military customers to install sensors, operator consoles and communications equipment without developing a new aircraft from scratch. The business jet has attracted growing interest for surveillance, command-and-control and electronic warfare missions. The US Army also selected the Global 6500 for its High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System, or HADES, intelligence and surveillance program. Bombardier delivered the first aircraft for that effort in 2024.