ROKAF selects ISR aircraft, eyes ISTAR fleet
This is an artist’s impression of the Falcon 2000LXS-based Baekdu-II ISR aircraft to be operated by the ROKAF. (KAI)
South Korea’s air force is seeking to seriously boost its ISR capability with two new fleets of aircraft. This is in addition to a separate AEW&C programme.
South Korea has two concurrent programmes for special mission aircraft – one for ISR platforms and the other for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) aircraft.
Last year, the Defense Project Promotion Committee approved the Baekdu-II ISR programme, to be completed for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) by 2026.
This ISR aircraft programme, which first appeared on the 2020-24 Mid-Term Defense Acquisition Plan, comprises four Baekdu-II aircraft. These will add to two Falcon 2000S SIGINT (Baekdu) aircraft already operating alongside four Hawker 800 Peace Krypton platforms.
The Baekdu-II project will allow retirement for the Hawker 800s, as
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK eyes lightweight satellite communications for UAVs]()
UK eyes lightweight satellite communications for UAVs
The UK is seeking to extend the operational reach of uncrewed aerial vehicles, reflecting growing demand for compact, energy-efficient technology to support beyond-line-of-sight operations.
-
![Loyal wingman programmes gather pace as US and European procurement plans take shape]()
Loyal wingman programmes gather pace as US and European procurement plans take shape
Northrop Grumman, Airbus and Anduril are positioning their uncrewed aerial vehicles for future collaborative combat aircraft contracts in a market that is forecast to exceed $36 billion.
-
![UK A400M Saudi deployment highlights airlifter’s role as Airbus pursues upgrades]()
UK A400M Saudi deployment highlights airlifter’s role as Airbus pursues upgrades
Airbus is developing new capabilities for its A400M transport aircraft as European countries consider future airlift requirements and the UK plans to deploy the aircraft to Saudi Arabia.
-
![The new generation of defence companies emerging from the US UAV boom]()
The new generation of defence companies emerging from the US UAV boom
As the Pentagon accelerates procurement of low-cost, lethal UAVs through its Drone Dominance Program, emerging suppliers will need to demonstrate manufacturing capacity, supply chain resilience and reliability.
-
![US Coast Guard faces key procurement decisions after C-130J and MQ-9B orders]()
US Coast Guard faces key procurement decisions after C-130J and MQ-9B orders
The service is updating several parts of its aviation fleet including fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft and procuring uncrewed aircraft to boost its maritime surveillance.
