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
-
![EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon]()
EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon
The consortium has given details on the next-generation of sensing and jamming capabilities on the Eurofighter Typhoon without needing to update the airframe, according to the group’s partners.
-
![Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets]()
Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets
The Romanian government has formalised a deal to purchase 32 F-35A aircraft from the US. The jets will not be expected to be operational in Romania until 2030.
-
![US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets]()
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
