Taurus Systems South Korea aims to develop 600km-range cruise missile for RoKAF
New K-2 missile would equip F-16, FA-50 aircraft or the future KF-X fighter
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
-
![Switzerland’s Hermes 900 procurement faces further delays and headwinds]()
Switzerland’s Hermes 900 procurement faces further delays and headwinds
The Swiss Federal Audit Office has said the drones won’t meet planned military requirements until 2029, after extensive delays pushed timeline back to the end of 2026.
-
![Italy “in favour” of Saudi Arabia joining GCAP, says PM]()
Italy “in favour” of Saudi Arabia joining GCAP, says PM
Prime Minister Moloni's comment came as Italy and Saudi Arabia signed a swathe of agreements totalling $US10 billion for greater cooperation, including between its defence and aerospace industries.
-
![The Philippines eyes procurement of additional FA-50 jets and upgrades]()
The Philippines eyes procurement of additional FA-50 jets and upgrades
The Philippine Air Force is reportedly finalising terms for the upgrade of 12 and additional procurement of several FA-50 aircraft with KAI, with Embraer’s A-29 Super Tucanos procurement also completed.
-
![Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile USAF contract expanded to $208 million]()
Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile USAF contract expanded to $208 million
The US$70 million modification to the existing joint strike missile contract has definitised it, covering support, containers and test hardware for the missiles’ use on the USAF’s F-35 aircraft.
-
![Israel to equip F-16I fleet with Elbit self-protection upgrade]()
Israel to equip F-16I fleet with Elbit self-protection upgrade
The $80-million contract for the development and installation of the Advanced Self-Protection Suite on the F-16I further boosts Israeli Air Forces’ (IAF's) fleet survivability.
