South Korea to Develop New Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile for KF-21 Fighters
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is launching the development of a domestically produced short-range air-to-air missile. Designed to reduce costs and boost export potential, this missile will equip the nation’s KF-21 Boramae and FA-50 fighter jets. Combining cutting-edge technology, it aims to rival leading global systems like the French Mica-IR
South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that it will begin studies to develop a short-range air-to-air missile designed to equip Korean KF-21 Boramae and FA-50 fighter jets.
According to the news portal Biz.Hankook, DAPA plans to launch the “Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile II” project with a tender announcement scheduled for March of this year. A full contract is expected to be formalized before the fall.
The KF-21 Boramae is designed to offer advanced capabilities in both air-to-air and air-to-surface operations. For missions against ground and maritime targets, South Korea is developing a wide range of next-generation weaponry. However, in the air-to-air domain, the KF-21 currently integrates only the MBDA Meteor missiles for medium- and long-range engagements and the AIM-2000 (local designation of the IRIS-T) from Germany’s Diehl for short-range combat. These missiles are estimated to cost approximately $3 million and $375,000, respectively. Due to inflation, these costs are expected to rise. To reduce expenses, minimize dependency on imports, and boost the export potential of the Boramae, South Korea decided to develop a domestically produced short-range air-to-air missile.
Expected features of the new missile
The design of the new missile will combine technologies from the AIM-2000 and South Korea's Haegung surface-to-air missile, developed by LIG Nex1. This approach positions the missile as a weapon comparable to the French Mica-IR. It will feature the same connection interface as the AIM-2000, facilitating its integration with NATO-standard fighters and foreign aircraft.
Additionally, it will incorporate the dual strake technology used in the Haegung, reducing aerodynamic drag and improving lift. The rear surfaces will be enlarged to optimize instant maneuverability, enhancing responsiveness in air combat. The infrared imaging seeker (IIR) will be miniaturized and optimized, providing a resolution two to three times higher than similar products. This will enable the detection of targets at greater distances and reduce vulnerability to enemy countermeasures. Furthermore, the missile will include a data link, allowing it to engage targets beyond the range of the primary seeker.
The rocket motor container will be manufactured using aluminum instead of carbon composite materials. This will increase structural strength, enabling high-acceleration maneuvers of at least 50G and allowing for “over-the-shoulder” launches.
Project leadership and outlook
The development of the missile will be led by LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Aerospace, although the final selection of the primary contractor is still pending. It is expected that the infrared seeker will be manufactured by i3 System, the only Korean company capable of producing this critical component.
AUTOR
Apasionado por la aviación, la historia, la política y la defensa. Editor-in-Chief en Aviacionline Defensa, combinando estos conocimiento para ofrecer un contenido valioso sobre temas estratégicos y de seguridad.
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