Electronic Warfare Attack Aircraft Developed with Domestic Technology

US Navy's EF-18 (Growler)

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The U.S. government has decided to deploy six EA18G Growler electronic warfare attack aircraft to Germany to strengthen NATO's defense in the eastern region. The EA18G, an electronic warfare attack aircraft, plays a role in disrupting enemy radar and air defense systems during bombings using stealth aircraft and others, clearing the way. The deployment of electronic warfare attack aircraft to Germany by the U.S. is analyzed as a warning from U.S. President Joe Biden to Russian President Vladimir Putin. It signifies that if Russian forces attack any NATO member country in any form, it will be considered an attack against the entire NATO, including the U.S.

Possessing electronic warfare attack aircraft alone significantly enhances a country's combat capability, making it a strategic attack aircraft. Our military has also pursued the introduction of electronic warfare aircraft due to North Korea's "spider web air defense network." The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has evaluated North Korea's air defense density as among the highest in the world. North Korea is known to have established a quadruple air defense system around Pyongyang to block the combined air power of South Korea and the U.S. The surface-to-air missiles recently possessed by North Korea include the SA-5 (Gammon, high altitude) with a maximum range of 260?300 km, the SA-3 (Goa, low to medium altitude) with a maximum range of 13?35 km, and the SA-2 (Guideline, medium to high altitude) with a maximum range of 48 km. It is estimated that there are about 40 SA-5 units, 140 SA-3 units, and 180 SA-2 units.

During the third phase of the next-generation fighter (FX) project, our military reviewed Boeing's F-15SE Silent Eagle and reportedly requested export approval for the U.S. Navy's EF-18 (Growler) for electronic warfare preparedness. At that time, there were rumors inside and outside the military that if the FX phase 3 budget was reduced, it would be possible to introduce 12 Growlers.

As overseas procurement became difficult, our military decided to focus on domestic development. If electronic warfare aircraft are developed domestically, a choice of platform must be made. However, internally, there is debate over whether to choose a fast aircraft like a fighter jet or a platform like a transport aircraft that allows equipment integration and expansion. The U.S. military operates both types. The U.S. Navy's EF-18 (Growler) is a fighter jet, while the U.S. Air Force's EC-130H Compass Call is a transport aircraft. However, as the EC-130H ages, the U.S. Air Force plans to dismantle its main electronic warfare equipment and replace it with the EC-37B, based on the G550 business jet.

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