First South Korean Stealth Drone LOWUS Enhances Survivability of KF-21 Fighters
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The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Korean Air held a rollout ceremony for the prototype of the Low Observable Unmanned Wingman System (LOWUS) at the Korean Air Tech Center in Busan on February 25, 2025. Designed to operate alongside piloted fighter jets in a manned-unmanned teaming system, this stealth drone autonomously carries out reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike missions under the supervision of a crewed aircraft.
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The LOWUS Drone features a trapezoidal fuselage, sharply swept wings, a V-tail, and an overhead air intake, resembling the American XQ-58A Valkyrie drone (Picture source: DAPA)
The development of LOWUS is part of a project initiated in 2021 by ADD and Korean Air, with support from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). Its design prioritizes stealth, minimizing radar detection through the use of radar-absorbing materials and an optimized structure to reduce visibility to radar, acoustic, and optical sensors. A first flight is planned by the end of the year, followed by manned-unmanned teaming tests scheduled to continue until 2027, during which a crewed aircraft will take direct control of the drone in flight.
LOWUS was designed from the outset to operate in coordination with crewed fighter jets, particularly the KF-21 Boramae, South Korea’s next-generation combat aircraft currently under development. It features a trapezoidal fuselage, sharply swept wings, a V-tail, and an overhead air intake, resembling the American XQ-58A Valkyrie drone. It also shares some visual similarities with Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, developed for the Royal Australian Air Force. However, LOWUS distinguishes itself with an electro-optical sensor mounted under the nose, as well as the planned integration of an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and a domestically developed engine.
Manned-unmanned teaming concepts are increasingly being explored by air forces worldwide, and South Korea is working to integrate this capability into its fleet. LOWUS is expected to complement certain limitations of the KF-21, particularly in its initial Block 1 configuration, which is dedicated to air superiority and does not feature an internal weapons bay. The drone could undertake air-to-ground missions, allowing the KF-21 to operate at a safer distance while leveraging its air-to-air missiles and advanced sensors. This operational approach would reduce the electronic signature of the crewed aircraft and enhance its survivability in combat scenarios.
While primarily developed for the KF-21, LOWUS could also be integrated with the FA-50, a light combat aircraft produced by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and already exported to several countries. By providing a stealth drone dedicated to supporting piloted aircraft, South Korea could expand the FA-50’s appeal on the international market and strengthen its position in networked aerial warfare.
This project aligns with South Korea’s broader strategy to advance its aeronautical defense capabilities. In 2021, a similar initiative led by KAI aimed to integrate drones with the country’s military helicopters, including the Surion and the LAH. In 2023, the South Korean military established a dedicated drone operations command to enhance surveillance, strike, and electronic warfare capabilities in response to asymmetric threats.
The development of LOWUS represents a step in the evolution of South Korea’s air combat capabilities. Its integration with the KF-21 could provide a strategic advantage in future conflicts while also serving as an exportable option for countries seeking to modernize their air forces with next-generation manned-unmanned teaming systems. The rapid progress of the project suggests the potential adoption of this technology by other air forces, further establishing South Korea as a key player in the global defense aviation market.
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The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Korean Air held a rollout ceremony for the prototype of the Low Observable Unmanned Wingman System (LOWUS) at the Korean Air Tech Center in Busan on February 25, 2025. Designed to operate alongside piloted fighter jets in a manned-unmanned teaming system, this stealth drone autonomously carries out reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike missions under the supervision of a crewed aircraft.
The LOWUS Drone features a trapezoidal fuselage, sharply swept wings, a V-tail, and an overhead air intake, resembling the American XQ-58A Valkyrie drone (Picture source: DAPA)
The development of LOWUS is part of a project initiated in 2021 by ADD and Korean Air, with support from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). Its design prioritizes stealth, minimizing radar detection through the use of radar-absorbing materials and an optimized structure to reduce visibility to radar, acoustic, and optical sensors. A first flight is planned by the end of the year, followed by manned-unmanned teaming tests scheduled to continue until 2027, during which a crewed aircraft will take direct control of the drone in flight.
LOWUS was designed from the outset to operate in coordination with crewed fighter jets, particularly the KF-21 Boramae, South Korea’s next-generation combat aircraft currently under development. It features a trapezoidal fuselage, sharply swept wings, a V-tail, and an overhead air intake, resembling the American XQ-58A Valkyrie drone. It also shares some visual similarities with Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, developed for the Royal Australian Air Force. However, LOWUS distinguishes itself with an electro-optical sensor mounted under the nose, as well as the planned integration of an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and a domestically developed engine.
Manned-unmanned teaming concepts are increasingly being explored by air forces worldwide, and South Korea is working to integrate this capability into its fleet. LOWUS is expected to complement certain limitations of the KF-21, particularly in its initial Block 1 configuration, which is dedicated to air superiority and does not feature an internal weapons bay. The drone could undertake air-to-ground missions, allowing the KF-21 to operate at a safer distance while leveraging its air-to-air missiles and advanced sensors. This operational approach would reduce the electronic signature of the crewed aircraft and enhance its survivability in combat scenarios.
While primarily developed for the KF-21, LOWUS could also be integrated with the FA-50, a light combat aircraft produced by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and already exported to several countries. By providing a stealth drone dedicated to supporting piloted aircraft, South Korea could expand the FA-50’s appeal on the international market and strengthen its position in networked aerial warfare.
This project aligns with South Korea’s broader strategy to advance its aeronautical defense capabilities. In 2021, a similar initiative led by KAI aimed to integrate drones with the country’s military helicopters, including the Surion and the LAH. In 2023, the South Korean military established a dedicated drone operations command to enhance surveillance, strike, and electronic warfare capabilities in response to asymmetric threats.
The development of LOWUS represents a step in the evolution of South Korea’s air combat capabilities. Its integration with the KF-21 could provide a strategic advantage in future conflicts while also serving as an exportable option for countries seeking to modernize their air forces with next-generation manned-unmanned teaming systems. The rapid progress of the project suggests the potential adoption of this technology by other air forces, further establishing South Korea as a key player in the global defense aviation market.
