MBDA and Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) have signed an agreement to explore the integration of MBDA missiles onto KAI combat aircraft.
Munitions such as Brimstone and Spear air-to-ground missiles and Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM) will be tested for integration with KAI platforms such as the KF-21 and FA-50.
The armed platforms could also be exported, MBDA stated in a press release.
“Recently, there has been growing global demand for various armaments. We will work with MBDA to propose enhanced domestic fighter aircraft to our customers,” KAI CEO Kang Goo-Young said.
Meteor Integration on KF-21
MBDA has already been contracted to integrate its Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile on the KAI-led KF-21 fighter aircraft, which is expected to be inducted in 2026.
The Meteor is considered one of the best air-to-air missiles in the world, with a range of over 200 kilometers (124 miles) and a no-escape zone of 60 kilometers (37 miles).
Brimstone and Spear have ranges of 20 kilometers (12 miles) and 128 kilometers (80 miles), respectively, while the ASRAAM can strike a target 25 kilometers (15 miles) away.
“The combination of MBDA’s world leading weapon products and technologies with KAI’s proven record of new aircraft development and rapid delivery is an exciting prospect for the world defense market, reflecting the shared values and interests of both parties,” MBDA CEO Eric Beranger said.
