LIG Nex1 is cooperating with Diehl Defence on its IRIS-T missile programme to be integrated into KF-21

Diehl Defence has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LIG Nex1, a Korean missile system and defence products company, regarding the KF-21 programme at the ADEX Exhibition in Seoul on 19 October.

Since Diehl Defence’s short-range air-to-air missile IRIS-T has been selected for the KF-21 fighter aircraft development programme, the company is gradually building up cooperation projects with Korean industry partners. As an experienced missile company, LIG Nex1 is the perfect local match to support the IRIS-T program, according to Diehl Defence.

The MoU foresees to explore possibilities for cooperation in the IRIS-T program to strengthen Diehl’s position in the Asian market.

The collaboration between Diehl Defence and LIG Nex1 follows a deal between Diehl Defence and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), which led to the beginning of IRIS-T integration into the KF-21 in 2017. A MoU followed this, signed during ADEX 2021, concerning the integration of IRIS-T on KAI’s FA-50/T-50 as well.

Diehl Defence’s increased cooperation with Korean companies opens a new chapter in the success story of the IRIS-T missile.

Beyond opening up new market opportunities for IRIS-T applications, Diehl Defence is also incrementally developing new versions of IRIS-T. This ongoing work will provide IRIS-T with an increased performance potential. By upgrading the current serial status of its missile, Diehl Defence ensures many more years of service life for IRIS-T to come.