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.

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Taurus KEPD 350