“Korea Aerospace Industries’ KF-21 Soars: First Successful IRIS-T Guided Missile Launch Unveiled!”

Diehl Defence’s IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile (AIM-2000) has been launched for the inaugural time as a guided missile from KAI’s KF-21, Korea’s 4.5th generation homegrown fighter currently under development. This test launch signifies another vital milestone in Korea’s most crucial fighter program.

The triumphant launch this month follows previous accomplishments of IRIS-T assessments on the KF-21: Merely months after the initial flight of the aircraft in early 2023, a safe separation evaluation was conducted by launching an unguided missile during flight in May 2023. Now, in May 2024, the missile was identified by the onboard AESA radar, successfully engaging the target drone. This comprehensive test validates the preliminary air-to-air capability of the fighter and reaffirms the exceptional performance of IRIS-T.

Manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries and Diehl Defence have collaborated closely since 2017 to reach this achievement. Thanks to their seamless partnership, both companies accomplished yet another successful integration of Europe’s most sophisticated short-range air-to-air missile.

Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, remarked: “I commend KAI for their remarkable performance on the KF-21 development initiative. At Diehl Defence, we take pride in being a part of this success narrative with our IRIS-T air-to-air missile.”

The successful live launch from the KF-21 is also a significant milestone for the IRIS-T program’s record. With the impending integration into the KF-21, IRIS-T once again demonstrates its compatibility with both legacy and contemporary fighter aircraft. Just in February 2024, KAI and Diehl Defence agreed to commence the integration of IRIS-T into KAI’s FA-50. With IRIS-T onboard, both platforms, KF-21 and FA-50, will be well-prepared for challenging missions.

Up to now, IRIS-T has been incorporated into major combat aircraft platforms such as Panavia Tornado, Eurofighter Typhoon, JAS-39 Gripen, F-16, EF-18, and F-5. The system is in operation or on order with numerous NATO countries, as well as Brazil, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.