Domestic long-range air-to-ground missile to be developed for the KF-21

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has announced plans to develop a long-range air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) to equip the KF-21 Boramae.

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Around $147 million will be invested in the development of this new weapon, which should be ready to enter service in 2028.

The long-range air-to-ground missile will become the core armament of the KF-21 fighter aircraft, in order to accurately strike key enemy targets hundreds of kilometers away. This is the first air-launched guided missile developed with Korean technology.

South Korea’s Defense Science Research Institute will promote the development of the new weapon system, and a number of Korean defense companies will participate in the production of the prototypes, including LIG Nex1, Hanwha Defense, Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Airlines.

The future cruise missile, whose expected performances are still classified, will be export-enabled and is expected to enhance the international market appeal of the KF-21 Boramae.

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The new weapon should be deployed externally from KF-21 Block 1, and in stealth configuration from Block 2 models onwards, which will incorporate the internal weapons bay.

See also: Seoul sees KF-21 as key to deterring North Korea

Locally, the new ALCM should strengthen Seoul’s deterrence, punishment and retaliation capabilities against the North Korean nuclear and conventional threat by enabling the Republic of South Korea Air Force (ROKAF) to strike with stealth, power and precision at Pyongyang’s missile launch sites, ammunition depots, component factories, command and communication nodes and other critical infrastructure.