[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence video] Raytheon Technologies' 'iSTAR-K'

Raytheon Technologies' Next-Generation Battlefield Intelligence Aircraft ISTAR-K for Future Battlefield Defense

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] The U.S. defense company Raytheon Technologies plans to participate in the Joint Mobile Target Surveillance and Control Aircraft project, commonly known as ‘Joint STARS’.

According to the Defense Mid-term Plan 2021-2025 announced by the military, the Joint Mobile Target Surveillance and Control Aircraft is a ground surveillance and command control aircraft. With a budget between 1 to 2 trillion KRW, the plan is to secure four units, with the first unit expected to be introduced in 2023, the time of wartime operational control transition.

The aircraft proposed by Raytheon Technologies is the ‘ISTAR-K’ approved for export by the U.S. in 2018. The ISTAR-K is built on the platform of the Global 6500 business jet by Canadian Bombardier. It is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and multi-spectral long-range optical equipment. It is not only a reconnaissance aircraft but can also serve as the core of command and control. The ISTAR-K can provide high-resolution SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) imagery to ground forces and air force aircraft assigned to ground attack missions.

Dick Sandifer, General Manager of Raytheon Technologies, said, "It can provide an unprecedented solution by carrying more sensors than any ground surveillance reconnaissance system owned by other countries," adding, "In particular, we have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Korean defense company Korean Air Aerospace Division and formed a team to bring aircraft and equipment into Korea for modification, demonstrating the fastest response capability."

He also added, "The Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS) allows us to see what is invisible," and "It is designed to enable the Republic of Korea Air Force to play a key role in protecting the nation through long-range intelligence surveillance reconnaissance and ballistic missile response."

Meanwhile, Raytheon Technologies was formed last June by the merger of United Technologies (UTC), an aircraft parts and materials manufacturer, and Raytheon, a major defense company. UTC supplied engines for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jets, while Raytheon produced Tomahawk cruise missiles. The combined market capitalization of the two companies is approximately $166 billion (about 197 trillion KRW), with annual sales reaching about $74 billion (88 trillion KRW). It is considered a global ‘aerospace and defense giant’.

Raytheon Technologies oversees four major subsidiaries: Collins Aerospace, which produces avionics equipment; Pratt & Whitney, which manufactures various engines; Raytheon Intelligence & Space, which produces advanced sensors; and Raytheon Missile & Defense, which produces radars and interceptor missiles.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.