Taurus Systems South Korea aims to develop 600km-range cruise missile for RoKAF
The South Korean subsidiary of Taurus Systems (a JV between MBDA Deutschland and Saab Dynamics) is looking to develop a smaller version of the KEPD 350K air-launched cruise missile (pictured).
Speaking to the official Yonhap News Agency on 19 November, Christoffer Drevstad, president of Taurus Systems Korea, said the new K-2 missile would be suitable for installation on F-16, FA-50 aircraft or the future KF-X fighter.
The Taurus KEPD 350 has a cruise altitude of 30-40km and flies at Mach 0.80-0.95 with a range of 500km, according to Shephard Defence Insight. About 260 of these missiles equip F-15K aircraft operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF).
The new K-2 missile would have a slightly longer range to attack targets beyond 600km, said Drevstad.
He added that Taurus Systems Korea is now looking for a local co-development partner for the K-2, with the aim of completing the development phase in three years.
However, the South Korean government must still define further requirements.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year
The counter-UAS prototype, named Low-cost Air Defence or ‘LOAD’, will be used to combat kamikaze UAS.
-
Taiwan receives first F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft
The aircraft is the first of 66 to be delivered to Taiwan from Lockheed Martin.
-
Boeing to remanufacture five more US Army MH-47G Block II Chinooks
The contract award, worth $240 million, is part of the ongoing effort by the US Army to modernise its Block II Chinook rotorcraft fleet.
-
Avalon 2025: RAAF looks beyond 10 years to when future deliveries may restart
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has been substantially refreshed in the past two decades including F-35A and F/A-18F fighter aircraft, as well as the addition of transport aircraft such as C-17s, C-130 variants and C-27Js. Additional aircraft may only be a medium-term prospect.
-
Avalon 2025: BAE Systems eyes customers for its Strix after initial flight
The Strix test effort suffered a setback last year when the prototype incurred minor damage in a hard landing during its second trial flight.