[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Pyongyang Air Defense Network Destroyed in an Instant... Independent Development of Korean Version Growler

1.85 Trillion KRW Invested by 2032
Independent Development of Enemy Radar Jamming Electronic Devices
Internal System Likely to Be Contracted by LIG Nex1

Our military will independently develop an electronic warfare aircraft that uses electronic equipment and jamming devices to neutralize enemy air defense radars. It is comparable to the U.S. Navy's 'EA-18G Growler' class, which is considered a powerful strategic weapon known as the 'Wizard of the Sky.'

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) reviewed and approved a plan on the 13th at the Defense Acquisition Program Promotion Committee (DAPPC) to invest 1.85 trillion KRW by 2032 to develop and produce a domestically made electronic warfare aircraft.

EA-18G Growler operated by the US Navy

During the Republic of Korea Air Force's 'Next Generation Fighter (FX) Phase 3 Project' in 2013, while considering the introduction of Boeing's fighter jet ‘F-15SE Silent Eagle,’ they also requested export approval for the U.S. Navy’s Growler to prepare for electronic warfare. There was an analysis that if the FX Phase 3 budget was reduced, it would be possible to acquire 12 Growlers. However, the final decision to introduce Lockheed Martin’s F-35 led to the cancellation of the Growler acquisition.

Inside and outside the military, it is expected that if 5 to 6 electronic warfare attack squadrons are deployed, they could instantly destroy the quadruple air defense network in Pyongyang, North Korea. The U.S. electronic warfare aircraft Growler, known as the 'Wizard of the Sky,' disables enemy air defense and command communication networks at the early stage of war and clears the way with missiles. In March 2011, the U.S. Navy deployed five Growlers from Aviano Air Base in Italy to neutralize Libyan air defense networks.

Regarding domestic electronic warfare aircraft development, LIG Nex1 is likely to be responsible for the internal systems. LIG Nex1 has previously handled the new Baekdu reconnaissance project. They have developed communication intelligence (COMINT), electronic intelligence (ELINT), and even instrument intelligence (FISINT) functions that include flame detection capabilities to determine actual missile launches.

Currently, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) prefers the C-130 transport aircraft, which facilitates easier system integration, while the Air Force favors business jets for speed and altitude advantages. Once the airframe is decided at the design stage, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Korean Air are expected to compete for contracts based on the integrated system.

The DAPPC also decided to invest 610 billion KRW by 2036 to domestically develop ship-to-ground guided missiles and to spend 3.7 trillion KRW by 2031 to introduce large special operations helicopters for use by the Army and Air Force.

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