US approves sale to South Korea of four E-7 Wedgetail aircraft to enhance surveillance capabilities.

On November 4, 2024, the US State Department approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to South Korea for the purchase of four E-7 Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft and related logistics support, valued at approximately $4.92 billion. The acquisition aims to enhance South Korea’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capacities and improve interoperability with U.S. forces through strengthened command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

South Korea already operates four Boeing 737-based E-7 AEW&C aircraft, known locally as "Peace Eye," acquired between 2011 and 2012. (Picture source: NATO)

South Korea’s request includes a comprehensive package of equipment and spares to support the new aircraft’s operations. Specifically, the procurement covers ten CFM56 jet engines (eight installed, two as spares), seven Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (GLTA) (four installed, three as spares), and eight AN/AAR-57 AN/AAQ 24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) System Processor Replacements (LSPR) (four installed, four as spares). Also included are ten Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems (GPS/INS) with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) or M-Code receivers (eight installed, two as spares), as well as six Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems with Tactical Targeting Network Technology (MIDS JTRS TTNT) (four installed, two spares).

Additional equipment under the non-major defense equipment (MDE) category includes AN/ARC-210 radios, digital radar warning receivers, AN/ALE-47 electronic countermeasure dispensers, LAIRCM control interface units, missile warning sensors, AN/APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponders, KY100M narrowband/wideband terminals, KIV-77 Mode 4/5 IFF cryptographic appliqué, AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders, KG-175 Link encryptors, communication security (COMSEC) cables, precision navigation equipment, and related COMSEC devices and equipment.

This acquisition also encompasses a wide array of components to ensure operational readiness, including Computer Program Identification Numbers (CPINs), user data module cards, testing and test equipment, and provision for major and minor modifications. Maintenance support for the aircraft is covered through spare parts, accessories, training aids, and consumables, while classified and unclassified software, publications, and technical documentation are part of the support package. Further logistical elements include personnel training, training equipment, aircraft ferry and transportation support, engineering, technical, and logistics support services from the US government and contractors, along with relevant studies and surveys.

The E-7 acquisition aligns with South Korea’s strategic objective of reducing dependence on U.S. forces for aerial surveillance while increasing its independent ISR capabilities. South Korea already operates four Boeing 737-based E-7 AEW&C aircraft, known locally as "Peace Eye," acquired between 2011 and 2012. These existing assets play a critical role in South Korea's surveillance and airborne control architecture, providing the South Korea Air Force (South KoreaAF) with capabilities to detect, track, and direct air assets over the Korean peninsula.

The E-7 model is based on Boeing’s 737-700 platform and is equipped with a fixed, electronically scanned radar from Northrop Grumman, enabling simultaneous air and maritime surveillance with a 360-degree scanning capability. This feature allows the E-7 to monitor extensive areas and coordinate air defense responses, supporting both defensive and operational tasks. Its inclusion in South Korea’s fleet contributes to its capability for monitoring ballistic missile activities, a critical area given the increase in missile tests by North Korea in recent years.

South Korea’s plans to expand its AEW&C fleet are part of a 2023 competitive program announcement where the Boeing E-7, Saab GlobalEye, and an L3Harris Gulfstream-based variant are being considered for additional acquisitions. The DSCA's approval of this potential sale represents a step toward finalizing the acquisition, providing South Korea with enhanced tools to monitor and manage regional airspace security.