BAE Systems has secured an $11 million contract from Korea Aerospace Industries to integrate the AN/APX-127(V)1 Combined Interrogator Transponder on the KF-21 Boramae fighter, replacing the APX-126(V) currently fitted to the platform.
The APX-127 is the latest generation Identification Friend or Foe system, certified for Mode 5 and Mode S. It is billed as a drop-in upgrade that improves processing capacity, anti-jam performance and crypto resilience, with an open-architecture design intended to allow software-led enhancements rather than major hardware redesigns.
Seth Guanu, Combat Identification Products programme director at BAE Systems, said the integration supports South Korea’s wider defence goals. “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. 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.”
BAE Systems says the new unit offers extra receive channels for Mode 5 Level 2 and ADS-B In, enabling passive identification of friendly aircraft in congested environments. The company argues this addresses obsolescence challenges on the existing fleet while creating headroom for future sensor and data-link requirements.
Work will be carried out at BAE’s sites in Greenlawn, New York and Austin, Texas, with the first systems due for delivery to KAI in 2026 for integration and certification.