Even though they have operated four units of the E-7 Wedgetail (Boeing 737 AEW&C) "Peace Eye", apparently this is not enough for the South Korean Air Force (ROKAF). The Ginseng State Air Force is still projecting at least the addition of two to three AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) units.
Seeing the need for AEW&C in East Asia, it seems that Saab has responded, this defense manufacturer from Sweden since 2020 has been offering AEW&C GlobalEye to South Korea. Considering that there are special requirements desired by South Korea, GlobalEye for South Korea needs to get some adjustments.
Quoted from aviationweek.com (4/5/2023), at the 2023 South Korean Air Force Aerospace Conference which took place last May 2, Saab has launched "WatchEye" - namely the AEW&C GlobalEye variant for South Korea.
WatchEye was presented to adjust GlobalEye to be included in the E-X Phase 2 program criteria requested by the South Korean Air Force. For details what I have adjusted from GlobalEye to WatchEye, it is still not explained in detail, but the suspicion will be related to sensor capabilities.
After successfully marketing GlobalEye in the United Arab Emirates, Saab has reaffirmed its intention to offer the GlobalEye platform for the recently announced South Korean program to acquire additional AEW&C. GlobalEye is equipped with the Saab Erieye ER AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, which is capable of detecting air targets at a distance of up to 450 km.
A Saab spokesperson said the company's offer would also include "technology and collaboration projects" that comply with South Korea's future aerospace requirements and involve multiple stakeholders from the military, government, industry and other partners.
Saab said it had developed clear principles and ideas for collaboration as well as highlighting its capabilities to local stakeholders, and gathering information about the Korean industry.
The spokesperson said, “Korea is a highly skilled and advanced industrialized country which opens up several interesting areas for cooperation that we look forward to further exploring in the upcoming program stages.”
Although nothing has been confirmed yet, the possible collaboration will refer to Saab's existing industrial ties in South Korea, which include a strong relationship with LIG Nex1, one of South Korea's leading manufacturers of military electronics and missiles.
Saab and LIG Nex1 have previously collaborated in supplying the Republic of Korea Armed Forces with the Arthur Weapon Locating System and in developing artillery radar technology.
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