South Korean defense company LIG Nex1 has achieved a significant milestone by securing two major defense contracts that will considerably enhance the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (RoKAF) operational capabilities. According to filings submitted to the Korea Exchange on 24 December, the company has been awarded a contract worth KRW 1.56 trillion (approximately USD 1 billion) by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for the development of the Electronic Warfare (EW) Block-I aircraft.

The EW Block-I program aims to provide the RoKAF with advanced stand-off electronic attack capabilities, allowing aircraft to disrupt and suppress enemy radar and communication systems from extended ranges. Under the program, four new electronic warfare aircraft will be developed. These platforms are conceptually similar to the US Air Force’s EA-37B Compass Call, which is designed to conduct airborne electronic attack missions. LIG Nex1 is collaborating with Korean Air on the project, while Bombardier will supply Global 6500 business jets as the base airframes. LIG Nex1 is expected to complete the development of the EW systems by 30 June 2034.

In addition to the EW aircraft program, LIG Nex1 has also signed a separate contract valued at KRW 124.2 billion (around USD 86 million) with South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD). This agreement covers the development and integration of systems for the SRAAM-II short-range air-to-air missile prototypes. The contract entered into force on 24 December and will run until 30 November 2032.

The SRAAM-II missile is being developed to equip the KF-21 Boramae with a modern infrared-guided, short-range air-to-air combat capability. The missile is expected to offer performance comparable to leading Western systems such as the AIM-9X and Germany’s IRIS-T. Together, these programs underline South Korea’s determination to strengthen its indigenous defense industry and reduce reliance on foreign systems in critical air combat and electronic warfare domains.