Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile Contractor to Be Decided After Chuseok [Yang Nakgyu's Defence Club]

Hanwha and LIG D&A Compete; Decision Set for October 12

Targeting Export Markets with Domestic Missiles Mounted on the KF-21

The contractor for the development of the long-range air-to-air missile (LRAAM) will be decided next month. The LRAAM is the last remaining major nationally developed weapon system to be installed on the domestic fighter jet KF-21.

According to military sources on September 24, the project will require KRW 753.5 billion in development costs by 2033, with a further KRW 1.1471 trillion allocated for follow-up mass production starting in 2035. The total project size amounts to approximately KRW 1.9 trillion. The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) will carry out an evaluation to determine the preferred negotiation partner on October 12. Subsequent negotiations on the entire project will be held with the selected bidder, aiming to finalize the contract before the end of this year.

The development of domestically produced long-range air-to-air guided missiles is considered a core project to complete the KF-21's independent aerial weapon system and to enhance the competitiveness of future fighter jets and weapon package exports. Photo by LIG D&A

The LRAAM is a high-difficulty weapon system designed to track and strike enemy aircraft maneuvering at high speed at ranges beyond 110 km. Advanced technologies such as guidance control devices, inertial navigation systems, and datalinks are essential. System integration is also critical: strict requirements for size and weight reduction, as well as operability with the aircraft, demand comprehensive management of design, manufacturing, and testing processes.

Currently, two defense companies have entered the competition for the development project: Hanwha Aerospace and LIG D&A. LIG D&A has partnered with Hyundai Rotem to receive support in missile propulsion systems. Hanwha Aerospace possesses key technology for solid "ducted ramjet" propulsion—developed over more than 20 years under the direction of ADD. The ducted ramjet engine draws in outside air during flight to combust fuel, which is vital for maintaining propulsion over long distances. Even if the enemy aircraft makes sharp evasive maneuvers, the missile can maintain high energy until the final phase of flight—one of its key advantages. In comparison, LIG D&A touts its development of a hypersonic engine and experience in long-range air-to-ground and short-range air-to-air missile development as core strengths.

There are many variables. Hanwha Aerospace has been subject to a criminal investigation for violations of the Severe Accident Punishment Act as a result of an explosion at its Daejeon plant, while an executive at LIG D&A has been indicted and detained over allegations of offering money to an official at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. Both issues are likely to be considered as evaluation factors in the bidding process. Although it is unlikely that either company will resolve their legal proceedings before the final selection, risks related to severe accidents and integrity will be evaluated and reflected among the assessment criteria.

A government official stated, "We need an export strategy to target demand for replacing aging fighter jets in Eastern Europe using Poland as a base, as well as Southeast Asian countries," adding, "Localization of engines and weapon systems is essential to enhancing the export competitiveness of the KF-21."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.