KAI Awards $11M Contract to BAE Systems for KF-21 Interrogator Transponder

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has awarded BAE Systems an $11 million contract for integrating the AN/APX-127(V)1 Combined Interrogator Transponder (CIT) on its KF-21 Boramae aircraft. The Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) system will help differentiate potential threats from allied forces in contested airspace. The open architecture of the IFF system allows software upgrades to keep pace with an ever-evolving battlespace. 

The APX-127 CIT (see figure) meets the latest anti-jamming and cybersecurity requirements and will add significant capability to the KF-21. According to Seth Guanu, Combat Identification Products program area director at BAE Systems, “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.” He added: “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 is a drop-in replacement for the AN/APX-126(V) CIT currently used in the KF-21. Work on the AN/APX-127(V)1 CIT system is performed at BAE Systems’ facilities in Greenlawn, NY and Austin, TX, with these CIT IFFs expected to be delivered to KAI by 2026.