Korean defense company Hanwha Systems unveiled its first prototype of a radar system for the country's self developed fighter jets, Thursday.
The first prototype, comprised of an antenna and power supply, has been produced to verify whether or not the nation is able to go forward with the development of active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with domestic technology, according to the Agency for Defense Development (ADD).
The development of AESA radar is part of the 8.5 trillion won ($7.5 billion) KF-X project to build 4.5-generation indigenous fighters by 2026 to replace the Air Force's aging fleet of F-4s and F-5s. The government will invest an additional 10 trillion won ($8.8 billion) to produce 120 aircraft by 2032.
The ADD is supervising the development of the radar, essential equipment that helps a pilot identify friend or foe in battle and finds targets on the ground.
Hanwha Systems, previously Hanwha Thales, was selected in April last year to manufacture the radar system.
The company showed the prototype to journalists at its research center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, during which it gave a demonstration of a transmitting electric wave.
"Based on the first prototype, we will continue to work to develop the final version the KF-X will be equipped with," said an ADD official, asking not to be named.
The official noted that a committee meeting was held June 28 and 29 to check whether to proceed with domestic development.
"The committee members concluded that the nation can consistently proceed with development," he said.
The ADD plans to send the first prototype to Israel's Elta Systems, which signed a deal on technical assistance, for ground and air trials in September.
The official added that the agency, together with the defense arm of Hanwha Group, is also developing software for the radar system.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), which is overseeing the KF-X project, earlier noted that once the AESA radar is developed, it will be integrated with the KF-X in cooperation with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the nation's sole aircraft manufacturer that signed the KF-X contract with DAPA.
Seoul was originally planning to receive AESA radar technology from U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin, but the plan foundered after the U.S. government decided to block Lockheed from transferring four core technologies used in F-35 fighter jets ― infrared search and track, electronic optics targeting pod, radio frequency jammer and AESA radar ― to Korea for security reasons.
Following that hitch, DAPA said it would develop the technologies domestically.
But some critics still express skepticism about the feasibility of domestic development.
(Korea Times)
They should have just bought 1 from the US be it raytheon or Northdrop grunmman both types r way better. US tops in AESA radar. Still there is no better way than getting israelis help lol. They know their stuff but unlikely will share their secrets at most give observations and advices. Israeli knows one thing the NK has dealings with the middle east. After all some of those nations has issues with the west and have like minded minds as NK. Israel is considered as the west as it is an ally. In a situation if south korea were to fall or the plane's tech gets stolen by NK be it through force(unlikely) or through cunning means like hack or spy or scientist choose to betray or accidental leaks than thats mess up. So long as a tense confict remain the israelis know that by sharing info is a high risk for them as well. NK could just sell secrets away. Heck even china got secrets from thr US.
BalasHapusThey would've done that, if the US didn't ban it. It is one of the 4 core technologies banned for transfer to the KFX/IFX project because Indonesia is involved in the project.
HapusThe reason South Korea bought the F-35 lemons was because LockMart promised them that they would help develop the KFX/IFX with their tech in return. But the US government decided to ban 4 core techs for transfer. Including AESA radars.
Thats the problem. Assurance. US wont transfer they will at most sell it. They can try their luck with the new trump administration
HapusIt's not ban because Indonesia involvement as the partnership is already well known years before ban is imposed. If the USA government against Indonesian partnership they already give red light years ago.
HapusIt was ban because its a high tech technology. Secret technology that only USA can only have, like ALIS in F-35 where even if u buy the plane, u can't touch it (unless u were Israel).
KAF should buy versatile Silent Eagle than bug problems F35. Silent Eagle built on proven airframe and compatible with existing fleet of F15K, which could benefits from Silent Eagle technologies when F15 reach times for Mid-life upgrade
BalasHapusSilent eagle has yet to exist. Its nothing but a concept. Boeing now has the f152040c version. Advance strike eagle.
HapusSurprised Samsung sold the division to Hanwha. I wonder who's going to fab the chips for the radar?
BalasHapusSomething to note is that this company was a joint venture between Samsung and Thales way back in 2000. So I don't think there should be any worries on them making a decent radar.