The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) and the South Korean Defense Development Agency (DDA) presented the first stealth attack drone developed in the country, the LOWUS, in Seoul.
The new unmanned aircraft is of the Loyal Wingman type and is expected to operate alongside the KF-21 Boramae stealth fighter, also developed in South Korea.
The acronym stands for Low Observable Wingman UAV System and the aircraft was developed within the Defense Technology Future Challenge Project of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
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The LOWUS resembles the US drone XQ-58A Valkyrie, however, unlike it, the UAV also includes manned versions for reconnaissance, electronic warfare and attack missions.
First flight scheduled for the second half of the year
Built with composite materials, the LOWUS has a wing surface to reduce radar reflection, as well as radar-absorbing material on its fuselage.
In a swept wing configuration and “V” shape, the LOWUS has a trapezoidal fuselage to reduce its radar signature, and also incorporates an active synthetic scanning radar of the AESA type.
On board, the LOWUS also carries an electro-optical turret for recognition and target designation, thus expanding its combat capabilities.
The jet engine is an internal development of South Korea and brings more independence to the project, whose first flight of the LOWUS is scheduled for the second half of 2025.
However, flight tests with the manned and unmanned variants will take place by 2027. The LOWUS can be controlled by the two-seater version of the KF-21 Boramae.
The two-seat KF-21 is expected to have a similar role to the Chinese Shenyang J-20 two-seat aircraft, thus converting the LOWUS into a loyal wingman, such as an early warning radar.
In addition to the KF-21, the FA-50 will also be integrated with the LOWUS, making it an interesting export platform for South Korea’s defense industry.
