BAE Systems wins deal to supply advanced IFF systems for South Korea’s KF-21 fighters

Designed for tactical aircraft, the system offers flexibility to support current and future mission requirements in an evolving battlespace. Its open-system architecture allows software upgrades that reduce the risk and cost associated with hardware changes while supporting advanced crypto, anti-jam and cybersecurity resilience requirements.

“The APX-127 Combined Interrogator Transponder will equip the KF-21 aircraft with state-of-the art IFF to help bolster the Republic of Korea’s national defense strategy,” said Seth Guanu, Combat Identification Products program area director at BAE Systems. “This new system gives fifth-generation fighter pilots an edge in air superiority missions and allows them to maintain interoperability with U.S. and coalition partners.”

The AN/APX-127(V)1 has the same form factor as the AN/APX-126(V) and serves as a drop-in replacement for the system currently used on the KF-21. Certified to Mark XIIB IFF with Mode S and Mode 5, it enhances situational awareness through additional receive channels for passive acquisition and secure identification in complex operational environments.

Work on the system will be carried out at BAE Systems facilities in Greenlawn, New York and Austin, Texas. Delivery of the KF-21 units to Korea Aerospace Industries for integration and certification is expected in 2026.

Source: BAE Systems (press release).