South Korea has unveiled a support drone for its upcoming fifth-generation stealth fighter KF-21 Boramae, designed to carry out high-risk missions such as surveillance, jamming and precision strikes.
Called the Low Observable Unmanned Wingman System (LOWUS), the drone features a stealth-friendly design with a trapezoidal fuselage, swept wings, a V-tail, and top-mounted air intakes, all intended to reduce radar signature for increased survivability.
It is also equipped with a visible electro-optical sensor under its nose and may soon integrate an active electronically scanned array radar to increase its ability to track multiple targets while remaining difficult to jam or detect.
LOWUS is intended to complement the Block 1 version of the KF-21, which lacks an internal weapons bay. By conducting strike missions closer to threats, the drone allows fighters to operate at safer distances and focus on air-to-air combat.
Developed by Korean Air and the Agency for Defense Development, the drone is part of a 2021 project supported by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
A recent simulation by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) showed how the KF-21 could operate with LOWUS in a coordinated attack.
In this scenario, the pilot uses an on-board display to command the drones, instructing them to destroy enemy radar before launching the next bombing run.
This mission highlights the role of LOWUS as a risk-absorbing asset that can penetrate air defenses and clear the way for manned aircraft. Although autonomous, the drones still operate under human supervision and respond to in-flight commands from the lead aircraft.
Test flights with the KF-21 are scheduled for 2026, with full development in 2027 and operational deployment around 2030. KAI said that once operational, LOWUS will “enhance the combat power of the KF-21” and expand the country’s tactical options in contested airspace.
Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/han-quoc-phat-trien-uav-chien-dau-cung-tiem-kich-tang-hinh-kf-21-post2149042356.html
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