South Korea has taken a big step forward in defense technology by successfully developing key radar components for stealth systems entirely on its own.
The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) announced that it has created both advanced software and testing equipment that are normally difficult to import due to strict international restrictions.
The achievement marks the first time Korea has independently handled every stage of stealth radar development—from design to production to testing.
Stealth technology is vital for modern weapon systems, as it helps aircraft and missiles avoid detection by enemy radar.
It works by absorbing or scattering electromagnetic waves, making vehicles much harder to spot.
Because this technology is considered a national security asset, countries that already have it, such as the United States, tightly control its export.
That has left Korea with little choice but to develop its own solutions.
At the heart of KRISS’s breakthrough are radomes—dome-shaped covers that protect radar antennas on aircraft, ships, and missiles.
These structures must survive harsh conditions such as extreme heat and pressure during high-speed flight, all while letting radar signals pass through without distortion.
Inside the radome sits a component called a frequency selective surface (FSS), which acts like a filter, allowing some signals through while blocking others.
Until now, designing FSS structures required expensive foreign software, with license costs of over 100 million won (about 75,000 US dollars) and high annual maintenance fees.
KRISS has developed its own FSS design software that uses artificial intelligence and parallel computing, making the design process more than 50 times faster than traditional tools. This not only saves money but also speeds up development dramatically.
Alongside the design software, KRISS has built a new electromagnetic wave evaluation system that can test radome performance in-house.
In the past, these tests could take more than a month. Thanks to AI-based improvements, the new system cuts testing time by more than 80 percent.
This technology will not remain just a laboratory achievement. It has already been transferred to Korea Electrotechnology Research (KER), a defense company specializing in radar and precision measurement systems. The transfer agreement, worth 500 million won, ensures the new tools will be applied to real-world defense projects.
According to Dr. Hong Young-Pyo, who leads the Electromagnetic Wave Metrology Group at KRISS, the benefits go beyond military applications.
“The technologies we have developed are not only applicable to the defense sector but also hold great potential for various radar-related industries, including mobility, maritime, and aerospace,” he said.
By building this capability at home, Korea has secured greater independence in one of the most sensitive areas of defense technology.
It is a milestone that strengthens national security while opening new opportunities in high-tech industries.
