BAE Systems to provide latest IFF for KAI’s KF-21 Boramae fighter

BAE Systems has received a USD 11 million (EUR 9.35 million) contract from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to integrate its AN/APX-127(V)1 Combined Interrogator Transponder (CIT) onto KAI’s KF-21 Boramae 4.5/fifth-generation fighter.

The latest identification friend or foe (IFF) system enables enhanced decision-making capabilities to distinguish between allied forces and potential threats in contested scenarios.

Made for tactical aircraft, the CIT design “ensures ongoing versatility to meet current and future mission requirements and support the warfighter in the evolving battlespace”, BAE Systems states. Its open-system architecture allows for software upgrades, reducing the risk and cost associated with hardware modifications. It also provides advanced, multi-function capabilities while supporting the latest crypto, anti-jam and cyber security resilience requirements.

With the same form factor, the AN/APX-127(V)1 is a drop-in replacement for the AN/APX-126(V) CIT currently fielded on the KF-21. It is Mark XIIB IFF certified with Mode S and Mode 5 for secure and encrypted data exchange. The upgraded system enhances situational awareness for pilots with additional receive channels for passive acquisition of Mode 5 Level 2 and Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast In to detect and identify friendly aircraft in complex and dynamic environments.

The KF-21 CIT units are expected to be delivered to KAI for integration and certification in 2026.

“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 defence strategy,” Seth Guanu, Combat Identification Products programme area director at BAE Systems, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “This new system gives fifth-generation fighter pilots an edge in air-superiority missions and allows them to maintain interoperability with US and coalition partners.”

Leveraging advanced technology and architecture, BAE Systems’ next-generation IFF solutions address obsolescence and increase processing capacity to enable future capability needs.

BAE Systems noted that it has delivered over 1,500 interrogators, 6,000 combined interrogator transponder systems and 16,000 transponders to US and allied forces.

Work on the AN/APX-127(V)1 CIT is performed at BAE Systems’ facilities in Greenlawn, New York, and Austin, Texas.