KF-21 “Boramae” Equipped with World’s Most Lethal BVRAAM Missile, the “Meteor”
The South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has signed an agreement with MBDA for the procurement of 100 “Meteor” air-to-air missiles to be integrated with the KF-21 “Boramae” fighter jets.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – South Korea’s 4.5-generation fighter jet under development, the KF-21 “Boramae,” will be equipped with one of the most lethal long-range air-to-air missiles available, the “Meteor,” developed by European defense company MBDA.
The South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has signed an agreement with MBDA for the procurement of 100 “Meteor” air-to-air missiles to be integrated with the KF-21 “Boramae” fighter jets.
These 100 long-range missiles will serve a fleet of 20 KF-21 aircraft currently being manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).
The “Meteor” missile, guided by radar, can reportedly reach speeds up to Mach 4 and engage aerial targets as far as 200 kilometers away.
It is a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile compatible with various fighter jets such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, Gripen, Rafale, F-35, and now the KF-21 “Boramae.”
The missile measures 3.65 meters in length.
KF-21 “Boramae” launching the “Meteor” BVRAAM.
The KF-21 fighter jet successfully completed a test launch of the “Meteor” air-to-air missile last year.
KAI will produce an initial batch of 20 KF-21 “Boramae” Block 10 aircraft, enabling the fighter jets to become operational with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) by 2026.
The contract, valued at USD 1.41 billion (RM6.65 billion), was signed between KAI and DAPA, a South Korean government agency.
“Under this agreement, KAI will produce 20 fighter jets, along with logistics support, technical manuals, and training.
These aircraft are expected to enter service with ROKAF by the end of 2026,” according to South Korean media reports.
The KF-21 fighter jet development program is reported to be about 80% complete.
Hanwha Aerospace has also signed a contract to supply 40 General Electric F414-GE-400 engines for the first batch of 20 KF-21 jets.
The first engine is expected to be produced by 2025 from Hanwha’s Changwon facility.
ROKAF aims to operate 100 to 120 KF-21 “Boramae” fighters by 2032, replacing aging F-4 “Phantom” and F-5 aircraft still in service.
South Korea intends for the KF-21 “Boramae” to form the backbone of ROKAF, playing a critical role in potential conflicts on the Korean Peninsula.
The KF-21 prototype achieved its maiden flight in 2022 and has since embarked on approximately 2,000 test flights to evaluate various systems and components.
“Meteor BVRAAM”
Launched in 2015, the KF-21 development program is estimated to cost USD 6.59 billion (RM26.36 billion).
KAI plans to deliver 20 KF-21 Block 1 jets designed for air-to-air missions by 2026, followed by 80 Block 2 jets for air-to-ground missions in the subsequent phase.
The South Korean aerospace giant is also reportedly aiming to export the KF-21 “Boramae” to interested international clients.
KAI has identified several potential markets for the KF-21, particularly among countries that currently operate the FA-50/T-50 light fighter jet, including Thailand, the Philippines, Poland, and Malaysia.
With an estimated unit price of USD 65 million (RM306 million), as reported by international defense media, the KF-21 (potentially Block 10) is priced lower than other 4.5-generation fighters such as the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon. — DSA