Focus on Loitering Munitions in SEAD/DEAD Role

National aerospace players Israel Aerospace Industries and Korea Aerospace Industries (IAI and KAI respectively) signed an MoU during ADEX 2021 in Seoul covering a loitering munitions programme in order to develop a new concept aimed at the suppression and destruction of enemy air defences (SEAD and DEAD) missions, the companies announced on 20 October. Expanded cooperation between the companies will offer the South Korean military new technologies, and will establish concrete cooperation plans through joint feasibility studies.

IAI is a global leader in development of loitering munition systems and sees the new concept weapon system technology helping to maximise SEAD/DEAD effectiveness, while simultaneously enabling long-endurance reconnaissance missions and immediate precision strike when required. IAI’s existing loitering munitions, including HARPY NGW and HAROP, are combat-proven in multiple nations.

Chang Heon Han, Executive VP and Head of KAI’s Future Business Division, stated “With the goal of leading the future of unmanned aerial vehicles, we are dedicated to developing next-generation unmanned aerial vehicle technology, and we will develop solutions that meet various customer needs.”