Despite the lack of major signings and high-level flying demonstrations at the ADEX 2019 show in Seoul, plenty of opportunities are arising as Korea not only continues to acquire sophisticated platforms but also to develop indigenous systems as the country seeks increased self-reliance. The development and maturity of the KF-X project has spurred local defense firms to develop their own solutions to complement the next-generation fighter.
Lignex 1, a major systems provider, recently began development of a long-range air-to-ground missile for the KF-X. A stand-off weapon with a design similar to that of the Taurus KEPD 350, it measures 5 meters long, weighs 3,000 pounds, and has an estimated range of more than 500 km. It features GPS/INS midcourse guidance and has an imaging infrared seeker (IIR). The company said the main development phase will be between 2023 and 2028, with live tests from 2027, in time for the KF-X serial production. Lignex 1 has also developed its own IIR seeker that is intended for a future Korean short-range air-to-air missile project, also for the KF-X.
