Lineup Featuring Air-to-Air Missiles on KF-21 and FA-50
Interest in LIG Nex1 Haegung in the Southeast Asian Market
Promoting the FA-50 for the Southeast Asian Export Market
Southeast Asia Prefers Cost-Effective Weapons Against China
On May 20, at the MBDA booth of the "Malaysia International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025," which opened in Langkawi, Malaysia, the European missile manufacturer showcased a large mock-up of the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-21 at the forefront. MBDA promoted its long-range air-to-air missile, the Meteor, by mounting it on the KF-21 mock-up.
On the 20th (local time), at the defense exhibition 'LIMA 2025' held in Langkawi, Malaysia, the European missile manufacturer MBDA displayed its missile models, including the Meteor missile, mounted on a model of the FA-50 fighter jet from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). [Provided by Korea Defense Industry Association]
In this way, "K-Defense" was utilized as a key attraction at LIMA 2025. Not only was there significant interest in Korean companies, but the strategic moves by overseas firms to capitalize on the popularity of K-Defense were also noteworthy.
Lineup with Air-to-Air Missiles Mounted on KF-21 and FA-50
The scene of KAI's FA-50 light attack aircraft mock-up placed next to MBDA's KF-21 mock-up was in the same context. The FA-50 mock-up was equipped with MBDA's Brimstone air-to-ground missile. Although the export of 18 FA-50M units (the Malaysian export version of the FA-50) to Malaysia was confirmed in 2023 and deliveries will begin next year, Brimstone remains only a candidate for armament. Through the FA-50 mock-up armed with Brimstone, MBDA's aspirations were evident.
MBDA especially emphasized that the market routes pioneered by K-Defense should not be underestimated. Savio Babu, MBDA's Head of Air Systems Technology, stressed, "The markets where KAI is active in Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, are strategically very attractive entry points for MBDA." This means MBDA aims to leverage Indonesia's participation as a co-developer of the KF-21 and Malaysia's ongoing consideration of a second batch of 18 additional FA-50 units.
The ship-based surface-to-air guided missile defense weapon "Haegung" is exhibited at the "Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025," held on the 20th in Langkawi, Malaysia. [Provided by LIG Nex1] Photo by Yonhap News
At the LIG Nex1 booth, many Southeast Asian countries showed interest in the "Haegung" ship-based close-in weapon system. Vice Admiral Quoc An of the Vietnamese Navy, who visited the booth, inquired about which Korean naval vessels are equipped with Haegung and whether Haegung can be installed on smaller ships. He also expressed interest in comprehensive naval combat system solutions, including Haegung, and requested a presentation.
Interest in LIG Nex1 Haegung in the Southeast Asian Market
In the defense industry, there is a view that as Malaysia positively considers the introduction of Haegung, neighboring Vietnam has also begun to move. An LIG Nex1 official said, "Vietnam has been a market that Korean companies have not previously explored," and added, "The export of Haegung to Malaysia could very well serve as a bridgehead for K-Defense's expansion into Southeast Asia."
In fact, at the end of last year, LIG Nex1 established a local office in Malaysia to secure a foothold in the Southeast Asian market. Among LIG Nex1's three types of guided weapons?▶the Cheongung-II medium-range, medium-altitude surface-to-air missile, ▶the Haegung ship-based surface-to-air missile defense weapon, and ▶the Singung portable short-range air-defense missile?Haegung is the top priority for the Malaysian export market. The company believes Haegung is competitive if the Malaysian Navy replaces the MBDA missiles it has operated for a long time. An LIG Nex1 official stated, "Haegung is attracting attention due to its strengths in delivery time, technology transfer, and after-sales support."
Promoting FA-50 Targeting the Southeast Asian Export Market
The main highlight at the KAI booth was the FA-50. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited the KAI booth and spoke with KAI President Kang Kuyoeng in front of the FA-50 mock-up. During this meeting, President Kang said of the FA-50M to be delivered to Malaysia next year, "It is a small but top-tier attack aircraft, equipped with the latest version of the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar," and added, "At the next LIMA, you will be able to see the FA-50M flying in the skies over Langkawi."
This defense exhibition, the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, will run until May 24. A total of 512 companies from 25 countries are participating. From Korea, three major companies?KAI, LIG Nex1, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries?and nine medium-sized and small companies, including Union Precision, Hwain Precision, Vistacom, and Augmented Intelligence, are taking part.
Kang Kuyoeng, President of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) (second from left), explains the FA-50 and KF-21 to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (center, in a blue suit) at the defense exhibition "LIMA 2025" held in Langkawi, Malaysia, on May 20 (local time). [Provided by Korea Defense Industry Association]
Southeast Asia Prefers Cost-Effective Weapons Against China
In the defense industry, there is a view that Korean companies should not only recognize the potential of Southeast Asia as an emerging market through this exhibition, but also understand the region's geopolitical situation and deepen their market insights. The increasingly pronounced preference for cost-effective weapons is a representative trend. Southeast Asian countries, which have entered an arms race in response to China's military expansion, are seeking reliable weapons rather than overwhelming performance. In fact, major defense companies such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing, which focus on high-priced weapon systems, did not participate in this event.
This also means that Southeast Asian countries, which do not designate a specific main adversary, are pragmatically importing weapons based on their respective interests, regardless of alliances. A defense industry official interpreted, "The active marketing efforts of state-owned defense companies from Iran, China, and Russia at the exhibition hall support this situation."
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