Korean Air recently met with U.S. defense firm L3Harris Technologies to discuss collaboration efforts aimed at bolstering the surveillance capabilities of Korea’s Air Force.
The meeting, held in Seoul on Tuesday, was attended by Park Jung-woo, Senior Vice President of Korean Air’s aerospace business division; Jason Lambert, President of L3Harris Intelligence; and representatives from 30 domestic and international defense firms, as announced by Korean Air on Wednesday.
The Air Force is seeking to acquire additional Airborne Early Warning & Control systems to enhance its surveillance capabilities. Currently, the Air Force operates four Boeing E-737 Peace Eye aircraft, and the second phase of this project is underway to procure additional aircraft by 2031.
L3Harris has proposed a solution for this second phase, which involves integrating Bombardier Defense’s Global 6500 aircraft with advanced radar systems from Israel Aerospace Industries.
Under a 2022 cooperation agreement with L3Harris, Korean Air plans to contribute through aircraft modification, parts manufacturing, and operational training.
The project is anticipated to offer the domestic defense industry opportunities for technology transfer, thereby boosting local capabilities and aiding integration into global supply chains, according to Korean Air.
“This strategic collaboration will allow Korean Air to acquire and develop cutting-edge technologies in aircraft modification, systems integration, and comprehensive maintenance of advanced special mission aircraft,” Park stated.
He further emphasized that Korean Air is “committed to fostering strategic partnerships within the defense industry and strengthening the entire aerospace aftermarket value chain.”