South Korean FA-50 fighter jets get a power boost with Taurus KEPD 350K-2 development

In a significant move, South Korean defence company LIG Nex1 and Germany's Taurus Systems have signed an MOU to jointly develop an adapted version of the KEPD-350K Taurus missile for the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50.   

The program, referred to as the Medium-Range Air-Launched Cruise Missile (MALCM) and designated KEPD 350K-2, is a privately initiated collaboration between the two companies.  

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing represents a partnership leveraging the technical know-how of both companies to meet the increasing demand for advanced missiles, especially in light of the growing export market for FA-50 fighter jets.  

The collaboration primarily focuses on enhancing and downsizing the current Taurus missiles for global market suitability. The upgraded KEPD 350K-2 is expected to weigh approximately 2,000 pounds and range 250 miles.  

Korean-German collaboration aims to boost arms exports  

The collaboration between LIG Nex1 and Taurus Systems underlines South Korea's drive to expand its presence in the global arms industry, with the joint endeavour to co-create the TAURUS KEPD 350K-2 cruise missile serving as both a response to domestic operational requirements and a strategic move to boost South Korea's defence exports.  

Given that the existing TAURUS KEPD 350K missiles are incompatible with the FA-50 fighter jets due to their size, the development of the more compact KEPD 350K-2 model will not only bolster the Republic of Korea Air Force's capabilities but also tailor to the operational needs of the FA-50s, thereby enhancing the jets' appeal in the international market.  

Engineered for aerial deployment in targeting terrestrial objectives, the missile's specifications will be customized to align with the export requirements of the FA-50 light fighter.  

Enhancing FA-50's international market appeal  

Christoffer Drevstad, the President of Taurus Systems Korea, has conveyed that the anticipated development timeline for the Taurus KEPD 350K-2 spans less than three years, creating a favourable scenario for Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to seamlessly incorporate this advanced munition into the FA-50 light fighter's arsenal for international sales.  

The FA-50 has secured numerous international export agreements with several countries, including Poland, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, integrating it as a vital component of their respective air forces.  

The anticipated integration of the KEPD 350K-2 with the FA-50 is poised to significantly enhance the jet's market appeal, potentially resulting in increased sales and broadening the aircraft's global presence. Additionally, South Korea may consider introducing the upgraded missile for the new-generation KF-21 Boramae.  

The South Korean Agency for Defense Development spearheads a domestic initiative, the Korean Air-Launched Cruise Missile (KALCM) program, with LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Aero as subcontractors. However, the KALCM program is not expected to conclude until 2028. Significantly, the development of the KEPD 350K-2 will progress autonomously and separately from the KALCM program.