Korean Air to develop a loyal wingman for ROKAF
Here is concept artwork showing four loyal wingmen accompanying a notional sixth-generation fighter. (Image: Korean Air)
South Korea is joining the loyal wingman bandwagon, with a domestic company contracted to produce a detailed design for a new UAV.
Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD) has been selected as the preferred bidder to develop a new loyal wingman UAV platform for South Korea’s military as part of national manned-unmanned teaming efforts.
The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) awarded a ‘stealth UAV squadron development’ contract to Korean Air on 12 August, according to a press release by the latter several days later.
The envisaged system will see three or four such loyal wingmen supporting a single crewed combat aircraft, to create squadrons of stealthy UAVs.
ADD’s development of the new UAV commenced last November, and its basic design has been finalised.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon]()
EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon
The consortium has given details on the next-generation of sensing and jamming capabilities on the Eurofighter Typhoon without needing to update the airframe, according to the group’s partners.
-
![US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets]()
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
-
![Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped]()
Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped
BAE Systems Air business has reaffirmed its commitment to the Typhoon programme as union representatives from the company urge the UK government to order 24 Typhoon jets.
