The South Korean Air Force (ROKAF) finalized the purchase of four new AEW&C II “Phoenix” airborne early warning and control aircraft, after the agreement with the American company L3Harris Technologies was materialized. The program, driven by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) since 2020, will be based on the Bombardier Global 6500 platform, representing a qualitative leap with respect to the current Peace Eye, based on the Boeing 737.
The contract valued at $2.260 billion US, officially announced by L3Harris in a statement on October 18, confirms that the Phoenix program aims to equip the Air Force of the Republic of Korea with a new generation of AEW&C aircraft equipped with advanced technology in the matter of sensors, secure communications, and tactical management of complex air operations.
It is important to bring up that the selection of L3Harris was confirmed by DAPA at the beginning of October, after an evaluation process that valued the American proposal for its compliance with technological requirements and its capacity for adaptation to the South Korean defense ecosystem. The Canadian manufacturer Bombardier and industrial partners, such as ELTA Systems (of Israel Aerospace Industries) and Korean Air, will participate in the integration and logistical support, strengthening technological transfer toward the national industry.
The program also seeks to progressively replace the E-737 “Peace Eye”—incorporated in 2011— with a lighter, more efficient, and more resistant system to highly contested environments. According to the company, the project will include the development and production of AEW&C II “Phoenix” platforms that will incorporate a state-of-the-art air surveillance radar, integrated mission systems, and an open architecture that will facilitate future updates.
For its part, the choice of the Global 6500 responds to its operational efficiency, extended range, and superior flight altitude, factors that make it ideal for prolonged early warning missions. Furthermore, the units will be equipped with advanced data link capabilities, secure communications, and electronic self-protection systems, guaranteeing interoperability with allied forces in the Indo-Pacific. On the other hand, the contract contemplates the expected delivery of the four aircraft towards the end of the decade.
Lastly, with this decision, Seoul advances in its objective of reinforcing the surveillance and control of its air space amidst growing regional tensions. In this framework, Christopher Kubasik, President and Chief Executive Officer of L3Harris, affirmed: “L3Harris is prepared to deliver an advanced fleet that will reinforce the operational effectiveness of a key United States ally in the Indo-Pacific.” For his part, Éric Martel, President and CEO of Bombardier, indicated: “In a context of growing geopolitical tensions, this aircraft is the preferred choice for governments seeking to modernize their capabilities, thanks to its reliability and performance for the most demanding missions.”
*Photographs used for illustration purposes.
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