L3Harris said in an X post Tuesday that its team has been chosen to deliver four additional airborne early warning and control aircraft to South Korea, Breaking Defense reported.
According to state-run media, Seoul set aside about $2.21 billion for the program. The L3Harris-led bid, featuring the Phoenix aircraft, competed against Saab’s GlobalEye system.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration noted that Phoenix is based on Bombardier Defense’s Global 6500 business jet and will carry Israel Aerospace Industries’ Elta EL/W-2085 radar. L3Harris first announced its partnership with IAI and Korean Air in December 2023.
Explore how global partnerships and the latest technologies are transforming the defense sector at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 GovCon International & Global Defense Summit on Oct. 16. Join the conversation and secure your slot today.
Officials said the U.S. contractor earned higher marks than Saab in operational suitability, contribution to Korea’s defense industry, and long-term sustainment costs.
The Phoenix will expand a Republic of Korea Air Force fleet that already operates Boeing’s E-7A “Peace Eye” aircraft. In November 2024, the U.S. State Department cleared a potential sale of four more E-7As to Seoul.