Boramae, First Live Firing of 200km Meteor at Intersection

If Live Fire Test Succeeds, Fourth in the World

Domestic supersonic fighter KF-21 'Boramae' is set to conduct a live-fire test of the medium-range air-to-air missile 'Meteor'. Boramae previously succeeded in the Meteor test missile separation trial last year. If the live-fire test of Meteor is successful, it will become the world's fourth after Eurofighter, Rafale, and Gripen.

According to the military and defense industry on the 7th, KF-21 is scheduled to conduct a live-fire test on the morning of the 8th over the southern sea, aiming at an aerial target and launching the Meteor missile. The live-fire test will be conducted by tracking a drone about 80 km away with the AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar mounted on the aircraft, firing the Meteor missile to pass within 1 meter of the drone.

If the live-fire test succeeds, it is expected that the KF-21 will dramatically enhance its long-range detection and interception capabilities. In particular, it signifies the completion of the integration of Korean-made AESA radar and 5th generation air-to-air missile systems, which is expected to contribute to the future export of the KF-21.

The Meteor missile flies at speeds exceeding Mach 4 (four times the speed of sound) and has the precision to shoot down enemy fighters flying 200 km away, making it the most advanced air-to-air missile currently available. Each KF-21 can carry four missiles, with deliveries starting next month.

As the world's first medium-range air-to-air missile to apply a ramjet propulsion system, it strikes targets at speeds exceeding Mach 4. It uses an explosive warhead with impact and proximity fuzes to either collide with the target or detonate the warhead at the optimal interception point to destroy the target. The UK plans to use the Meteor as the primary air-to-air weapon for the F-35, and Japan, which is acquiring 42 F-35s, is also known to be pursuing Meteor integration. Notably, Japan is jointly developing an upgraded version of the Meteor called 'JNAAM' (Joint New Air-to-Air Missile) with the UK, designed to be mounted in the internal weapons bay of the F-35. India has also ordered more than 300 units. The Meteor measures 3.6 meters in length, 17.8 cm in diameter, and weighs 185 kg.