The first guided launch of Diehl Defence’s IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile (AIM-2000) came from Korea Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) KF-21, a 4.5th generation indigenous fighter currently in development. In Korea’s most significant fighter program, this test firing represents yet another key milestone.
This month’s successful termination comes after earlier IRIS-T examinations of the KF-21 were successful: In May 2023, a safe separation test was conducted by firing an unguided missile in mid-air, just a few months after the aircraft’s initial flight in early 2023. Now, in May 2024, the missile engaged the target drone successfully after being identified by the onboard AESA radar. This end-to-end test highlights IRIS-T’s exceptional performance and validates the fighter’s initial air-to-air capability.
Diehl Defence and manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries have collaborated extensively since 2017 to achieve this goal. The most sophisticated short-range air-to-air missile in Europe was successfully integrated into another mission by both firms thanks to their flawless cooperation.
“I congratulate KAI on their outstanding performance on the KF-21 development program,” stated CEO of Diehl Defence Helmut Rauch. We at Diehl Defence are honoured to have our IRIS-T air-to-air missile featured in this triumph.
The KF-21’s successful live firing is another significant turning point in the history of the IRIS-T program. IRIS-T once again demonstrates its interoperability with both historical and contemporary fighter aircraft with its impending inclusion into the KF-21. Diehl Defence and KAI decided to begin integrating IRIS-T into KAI’s FA-50 as early as February 2024. Both the KF-21 and FA-50 platforms will be prepared for challenging missions with IRIS-T on board.
Major combat aircraft systems like the Panavia Tornado, Eurofighter Typhoon, JAS-39 Gripen, F-16, EF-18, and F-5 have all included IRIS-T thus far. In addition to numerous NATO nations, the system is in use or on order in Brazil, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.
