The KF-21 is the first non-Western platform to be integrated with the Meteor BVRAAM

Korea Aerospace Industry’s (KAI) 4.5 generation, KF-21 ‘Boramae’ fighter jet, is slated to undertake its maiden live fire launch of MBDA’s Meteor ultra-long range Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) early next year.

Speaking to MON at the recently concluded Dubai Airshow, an MBDA official stated that the first live firing of the Meteor BVRAAM from a KF-21 is planned to take place in early 2024.

The KF-21 is the first non-Western platform to be integrated with the Meteor BVRAAM, which is the crown jewel of European Air-to-Air armament. MBDA’s current programme of record with KAI is for the integration of the Meteor on the KF-21’s four semi-recessed belly stations.

The official said the live fire test would be an important milestone in the development of KF-21 and the integration of Meteor, which is a tactical weapon with strategic effect. He added that MBDA was confident of future growth prospects as the KF-21 programme matures.

KAI had undertaken a Meteor release trial in March this year, which was the first major step towards a live fire test of an actual missile. The dummy weapon released during the trial held in March was an environmental data gathering round, which collected important parameters required for the follow-on live launch.

MBDA is also working with KAI to integrate its Mistral ATAM helicopter air-to-air missile into an MAH helicopter under development for the Republic of Korea Marine Corps.

MBDA also has a stake in Taurus Systems GmbH, whose Taurus deep strike cruise missile is fitted on the Republic of Korea Air Force.

Atul Chandra from Dubai Airshow 2023 for MON