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Saab and KAI Partner for South Korea's AEW&C II Programme.
On October 2, 2024, Swedish defense company Saab announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to collaborate on South Korea's ongoing Airborne Early Warning & Control II (AEW&C II) program. This partnership aims to meet South Korea's growing aerial surveillance needs and seize opportunities for future domestic programs.
Saab is offering its GlobalEye AEW&C platform for the AEW&C II programme (Picture source: Saab)
The MoU, signed during the Korea Army International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX), was formalized by Markus Borgljung, Saab’s Vice President and Deputy Head of the Surveillance Division, and Chongho Yoon, KAI’s Senior Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Aircraft Program Division. The agreement outlines industrial cooperation and technology transfer between Saab and KAI, focusing on strengthening South Korea's airborne surveillance capabilities.
Saab is offering its GlobalEye AEW&C platform for the AEW&C II programme. Based on the Bombardier Global 6500 business jet, the GlobalEye incorporates advanced AESA radar and maritime surveillance capabilities. The MoU covers modifications to the airframe and aerodynamics, system installation, testing, integration, and a comprehensive training and technical assistance package. These efforts aim to develop South Korea's defense industry expertise, positioning the country to independently maintain and further develop its surveillance capabilities.
Under the terms of the MoU, KAI will be responsible for future modifications, maintenance, and repairs of the GlobalEye aircraft. The partnership between Saab and KAI is expected to strengthen South Korea’s radar technology capabilities, enhance its domestic defense industry, and ensure self-sufficiency in airborne surveillance operations.
Borgljung emphasized that this partnership will increase South Korea's radar technology competence and support its strategic independence. KAI was selected as Saab’s industrial partner due to its strong reputation in the aerospace defense sector and its extensive experience in special mission aircraft. KAI has previously contributed to the AEW&C I programme, the modernization of P-3CK maritime patrol aircraft, and the ongoing Baekdu Capability Enhancement II programme.
Yoon of KAI expressed optimism that the AEW&C II programme will serve as a stepping stone for increased cooperation between Saab and KAI. He also noted that the technology transfer will strengthen South Korea's ability to conduct independent research and development for future special mission aircraft programs.
The AEW&C II program has attracted the attention of several global defense companies. In addition to Saab and KAI, US-based L3Harris, in partnership with Korean Air and Israel’s IAI Elta, is also competing for the programme, offering a similar solution based on the Bombardier Global 6500 business jet.