South Korea has officially embarked on a ₩435.9 billion-won (USD 296 million) program to develop domestically produced short-range air-to-air guided missiles for its next-generation KF-21 Boramae fighter jets, marking another major milestone in the country’s push for defense self-reliance. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that the initiative, led by the state-run Agency for Defense Development (ADD), is scheduled for completion by 2032.
According to DAPA’s statement, the project is designed to equip the KF-21 with homegrown missile systems as Seoul seeks to reduce its dependence on U.S. and European weapon technologies. “This project is aimed at developing guided missiles for homegrown fighter jets by 2032, in our bid to diversify weapons systems and increase arms exports,” the agency said. Officials noted that indigenizing air-to-air missile capabilities is increasingly vital for maintaining strategic autonomy amid tightening global export controls and shifting geopolitical landscapes.
The missile development program will involve key domestic defense contractors, including LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Aerospace—both central players in Korea’s growing aerospace and missile industries. LIG Nex1, known for major programs such as the Chiron MANPADS and the KM-SAM medium-range air defense system, is expected to contribute advanced seeker, guidance, and electronics technologies. Hanwha Aerospace, a supplier of engines, avionics, and mission systems for multiple platforms, will likely support propulsion and integration work.
South Korea’s decision to invest heavily in a homegrown short-range missile comes as its flagship KF-21 fighter progresses steadily through development and testing. Built by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the 4.5-generation multirole jet completed its maiden flight in 2022 and is now undergoing rigorous flight evaluation phases. Seoul expects initial operational deployment later in the decade, with full-rate production planned to accelerate shortly after.
Currently, foreign missile systems—including the U.S. AIM-9X Sidewinder and the European IRIS-T—are being considered for the KF-21. However, domestic development is seen as crucial not only for autonomy but also for export competitiveness. Officials say that a fully indigenous weapons package would strengthen the appeal of the KF-21 for international buyers, especially countries seeking advanced fighter capabilities without restrictions linked to third-party technology.
DAPA underscored that internal development of air-to-air missiles would “mark a key milestone in advancing Korea’s airborne weapons systems and expanding the nation’s defense industry in the aviation sector.” The pursuit aligns with Seoul’s broader ambition to position itself as a top-tier defense exporter, having already secured significant deals in armored vehicles, artillery, and missile systems in recent years.
Internationally, the KF-21 program has attracted interest from Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern partners, with nations exploring co-development or procurement options. A domestically produced short-range missile, integrated seamlessly with the Boramae, is viewed as a major selling point—providing customers with a unified fighter-weapons ecosystem free from external political constraints.
The newly launched missile program thus represents more than a technological upgrade. It is a strategic investment that ties together South Korea’s national security priorities, its industrial ambitions, and its long-term vision of becoming a leading supplier in the global defense marketplace. As the 2032 completion target approaches, the project is expected to play a defining role in shaping the operational capabilities of the KF-21 and reinforcing South Korea’s evolving position in the high-tech arms industry.
