KF-21 "Korean Meteor" Development Plans Take Shape, Led by LIG and Hanwha

[Financial News] LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIG D&A) has emerged as the leading player in key areas of the program to develop a domestically produced long-range air-to-air missile for the KF-21, South Korea's supersonic fighter jet. Hanwha Aerospace is also expected to take charge of the airframe structure and propulsion system, which determine flight performance.
According to defense industry sources on the 2nd, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) notified participating companies of the results of its evaluation of proposals from prototype manufacturers for the system development of a long-range air-to-air guided missile.
LIG Defense & Aerospace was ranked first in five prototype areas, including system integration—which covers missile design and assembly, component interfacing, and testing and evaluation—as well as the seeker. Hanwha Aerospace ranked first in the areas of airframe structure, propulsion system, warhead and fuze.
The long-range air-to-air missile is a key weapon required for the KF-21 to intercept enemy aircraft beyond visual range. The government is pursuing domestic development with a target of Meteor-class or better performance. Once development is completed, the missile is expected to help reduce the KF-21's reliance on foreign weapons.
The program is led by the ADD. Although both companies were ranked first in their respective evaluations, subsequent procedures remain, including formal selection of the preferred bidder, negotiations and contract signing.
An LIG Defense & Aerospace official said, "We will do our utmost to help advance the Republic of Korea's military capabilities and expand defense exports by packaging this system with the long-range air-to-ground guided missile and short-range air-to-air guided missile currently under development."
A Hanwha Aerospace official said, "To realize the aviation weapons technologies required by the ADD and the military, we will support airframe design and propulsion system development and work to achieve a high level of weapons integration for the domestically developed KF-21 fighter."
[email protected] Jeong Won-il Reporter