South Korea reviews Boeing, Embraer, KAI options for new maritime patrol aircraft

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is proposing a solution based on converting the Bombardier Global 6500 business jet into a maritime patrol aircraft. This approach could support domestic industry participation and potentially reduce schedule risks through local integration of mission systems.

A decision on the procurement is expected in 2026. Authorities will consider factors such as readiness, compatibility with existing assets, industrial participation, affordability over the life cycle of the aircraft, and overall costs associated with bringing new platforms into service—including training and weapons integration.

According to Air Data News: "Boeing is proposing additional P-8A models, which pose low integration risk as South Korea is already quite familiar with the platform."

Regarding Embraer’s offering: "Embraer is in the process of marketing an E190-E2 special-mission variant that brings a full sensor suite and torpedo bay to the table."

Discussing KAI’s proposal: "KAI, a domestic aerospace leader, is currently in the process of advancing a business-jet conversion version of the Bombardier Global 6500. This could anchor a complete domestic mission-system network."

The choice made by South Korea could shape its defense strategy for years ahead by impacting anti-submarine warfare capabilities as well as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike operations.