South Korea launches effort to develop short-range air-to-air guided missiles

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - South Korea this week launched a $296 million project to develop short-range air-to-air guided missiles for its KF-21 fighter jets.

Seoul aims to develop the missiles by 2032 as part of its "bid to diversify the weapons systems" for its fighter jets and increase arms exports, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, reported Yonhap News on Tuesday.

Local defense companies, such as LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Aerospace, are expected to take part in the project.

According to an official from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, the planned missile is envisioned as a significant milestone in advancing South Korea's airborne weapons systems and expanding the East Asian country's defense industry in the aviation sector.