The Reconnaissance Aircraft System Presented by Northrop Grumman Is

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] According to South Korea's Defense Mid-term Plan 2021~2025, the Joint Moving Target Surveillance and Control Aircraft project, known as the Korean-style JSTARS, is set to officially begin. Amid North Korea's recent launch of a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), there are growing calls for the urgent introduction of reconnaissance aircraft capable of detecting North Korean nuclear and missile threats. The Joint Moving Target Surveillance and Control Aircraft project involves procuring aircraft tailored to the operational requirements of the South Korean military from overseas, with a budget estimated between 1 to 2 trillion won to secure a total of four units.

Northrop Grumman, which has entered the Joint Moving Target Surveillance and Control Aircraft project, showcased its JSTARS-K solution, a ground surveillance reconnaissance aircraft system, at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX). Northrop Grumman has also partnered with domestic defense companies. At the event, Northrop Grumman signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korean defense firms LIG Nex1 and Hunid Technologies to develop the JSTARS-K solution.

At the event, Northrop Grumman explained, “The JSTARS-K solution boasts excellent performance and operability by enabling the control aircraft to fly at high altitudes and high speeds, utilizing advanced radar and communication equipment.” They added, “JSTARS-K provides commanders with real-time information necessary for decision-making and enhances the security environment based on interoperable communication equipment and outstanding performance and operability.”

The advantage of JSTARS lies in its installation of an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, specialized for ground surveillance and tracking, mounted on the underside of the aircraft. Additionally, it is equipped with infrared imaging detection equipment and a signals intelligence monitoring system. This enables integrated ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) capabilities.

Northrop Grumman stated, “Based on over 30 years of experience in battlefield management command and control, we propose the JSTARS-K solution based on the G550 platform, leveraging our advanced technologies, software, system integration, sensors, and mission environment expertise.” They added, “JSTARS-K is also equipped with Northrop Grumman’s advanced radar technology, enabling precise target tracking while reducing costs and tracking targets accurately from higher altitudes at faster speeds.”

Northrop Grumman has already been certified for reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities by the South Korean military. They have supplied multifunction electronically scanned array (MESA) radars mounted on the airborne early warning and control aircraft Peace Eye, as well as high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance aircraft such as the Global Hawk.

The E-737 Peace Eye, introduced by the South Korean Air Force, is also equipped with Northrop Grumman’s advanced multifunction electronically scanned array (MESA) radar. The MESA sensor provides all-around situational awareness of the surrounding airspace, aiding simultaneous reconnaissance of air and maritime targets. Notably, it can rapidly collect and transmit battlefield situational information with an enhanced refresh rate and is equipped with the Mode-5 high-performance Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, which distinguishes between friend and foe in the United States.

Northrop Grumman has also supplied the RQ-4 Global Hawk high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance aircraft to the South Korean military. The RQ-4 Global Hawk can collect high-resolution imagery at high altitudes without exposing personnel to risk, enabling ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) data collection.

Northrop Grumman plans to challenge various weapon procurement projects for the South Korean military. The company stated, “We plan to propose solutions such as the UH-60 performance upgrade, KF-16 electronic warfare, rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, and Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile with extended range (AARGM-ER) to the Republic of Korea.”

Northrop Grumman added, “We will strengthen cooperation with South Korean companies and make significant efforts to enhance global competitiveness,” and “We plan to introduce new platforms across various fields including civil aviation, energy, manned and unmanned aircraft, military aviation, missile defense, naval systems, and space systems.”