BAE Systems to equip Korean KF-21I with Identification Friend or Foe system

BAE Systems has secured an $11 million contract from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to supply its Combined Interrogator Transponder (CIT) system for the KF-21 Boramae fighter jets.

According to BAE Systems, the system will enhance the jets’ Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capabilities, helping pilots better distinguish between friendly and hostile aircraft in contested airspace.

The AN/APX-127(V)1 features open-system architecture, allowing software upgrades and supporting anti-jamming, cybersecurity resilience, and encrypted data exchange. It replaces the older AN/APX-126(V) model and is certified to the Mark XIIB IFF standard.

It supports Mode 5 and Mode S operations and includes extra receiving channels for passive identification using Mode 5 Level 2 and ADS-B In signals.

Deliveries to KAI are expected in 2026 for integration and testing.