(LEAD) Probe under way into hacking attempts against aircraft manufacturer KAI

(ATTN: UPDATE with more info in last 3 paras)

SEOUL, June 30 (Yonhap) -- Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), South Korea's sole aircraft manufacturer, suffered hacking attempts, and many documents are believed to have been leaked, possibly including sensitive data on major projects, sources said Wednesday.

KAI's system appeared to have been hacked twice this year by unidentified entities, and "a large quantity of documents" seems to have been leaked, according to the sources.

Some say that the breached data might include sensitive information about major defense items, such as the KF-21 indigenous fighter jet, FA-50 light combat aircraft, unmanned aircraft and radar.

"As there have been suspected hacking incidents, we requested a police probe on Monday. We will fully cooperate with investigators to reveal the facts," KAI said in a statement without further elaboration.

Rep. Ha Tae-keung of the main opposition People Power Party also said in a press release that the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), which handles national arms procurement, has admitted the occurrence of hacking attacks into KAI.

"DAPA has confirmed that KAI has indeed been hit with hacking attacks," he said, adding the agency is refusing to share other details.

Ha, a member of the parliamentary intelligence committee, also raised the possibility that blueprints of the KF-21 jet may have been stolen in the attacks.

graceoh@yna.co.kr
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