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KAI, Hyundai Rotem Sign KF-21 Air-to-Air Missile Pact

8/16/2026

50 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

KAI, Rotem Missile

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hyundai Rotem signed a memorandum of understanding on August 12, 2026 to develop an air-to-air missile for the KF-21 fighter.
The missile will use a solid-fuel ducted ramjet and incorporate an AESA seeker, targeting about 200 km range at Mach 4.
Seoul intends the weapon to replace the MBDA Meteor so KF-21 aircraft can be exported without third-party approval.

Summary

KF-21 Completed

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced on July 29, 2026 that KF-21 development was complete, ending an 8.8 trillion won ($6.04 billion) effort begun in 2015.
The jet passed its final combat-suitability test on May 7, 2026, two months after KAI rolled out the first mass-production airframe.
KAI will deliver 40 KF-21 fighters by 2028 and 80 upgraded units by 2032, for a total fleet of 120.

History

Historical Context

U.S. forces first deployed the AIM-120 AMRAAM in September 1991, replacing the AIM-7 Sparrow and prompting worldwide sales; by 2024 more than 14,000 missiles serve 33 customers. South Korea began buying the missile in 1995 and 1997, building expertise that now underpins a 2026 MOU with KAI and Hyundai Rotem to produce a 200-km, Mach 4 weapon for the KF-21, aiming to cut foreign dependence.

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KAI, Rotem Missile

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hyundai Rotem signed a memorandum of understanding on August 12, 2026 to develop an air-to-air missile for the KF-21 fighter.
The missile will use a solid-fuel ducted ramjet and incorporate an AESA seeker, targeting about 200 km range at Mach 4.
Seoul intends the weapon to replace the MBDA Meteor so KF-21 aircraft can be exported without third-party approval.

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