Germany and South Korea sign MOU for IRIS-T missile integration onto FA-50 and KF21 combat aircraft.

On February 19, 2024, Diehl Defence, the global leading provider of air-launched guided missile systems, and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the manufacturer and authority of the FA-50 and KF-21 series combat aircraft, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at intensifying their integration and marketing efforts. The primary goal of this collaboration is to highlight the potential of the IRIS-T, an advanced missile, on the FA-50/T-50 and KF-21 Block II aircraft.
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Germany's Diehl Defence and South Korea's KAI sign MOU agreement (Picture source: Diehl Defence)

This announcement follows a previously signed agreement at ADEX 2021, which had already established the two companies' intention to explore cooperation opportunities. The current MoU confirms and extends this cooperation by focusing on the integration of the IRIS-T missile, marking a significant step in the joint efforts of Diehl Defence and KAI to enhance their air defense capabilities.

The terms of the agreement include the creation of joint working groups dedicated to marketing efforts for KAI aircraft equipped with Diehl Defence missiles. Additionally, both companies have committed to investigating the possibility of modifying or further developing Diehl Defence missile systems to fit Korea's indigenous aircraft programs.

The MoU signing took place in Berlin, Germany, during the visit of Kang Goo-Young, CEO of KAI, who was part of a Korean trade delegation. Dr. Harald Buschek, Chief Program Officer and member of the Diehl Defence Division Board, officially signed the agreement.

This consolidation of cooperation between Diehl Defence and KAI is announced on the eve of the Singapore Airshow, this year's most significant aerospace and defense trade event in Asia, signaling the strategic importance of this collaboration for both companies.

Since the beginning of their collaboration in 2017, Diehl Defence and KAI have worked together to integrate the IRIS-T into the KF-21 Block I fighter, combining Diehl Defence's experience and capabilities in the development, production, and integration of missile systems with KAI's success in launching and managing military aircraft programs. This latest initiative marks a new phase in their partnership, aiming to further strengthen air defense through technological innovation and international collaboration.

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The IRIS-T (Infrared Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) missile is designed for air superiority and air defense. It can engage aerial targets with high precision thanks to its infrared imaging guidance and exceptional maneuverability, even against strongly maneuvering targets or in environments disrupted by decoys. The missile has a range of over 25 kilometers and can reach speeds exceeding Mach 3. Its advanced seeker head allows it to identify and lock onto targets with great accuracy, making the IRIS-T extremely effective in close air combat as well as air defense missions.

The FA-50 is an advanced variant of the T-50 family of light trainer and combat jets developed by KAI. Designed as a multi-role fighter, the FA-50 can perform various missions, from air superiority to ground attack. Equipped with an advanced electronically scanned radar, it can detect and engage targets at long distances. With a maximum speed of about Mach 1.5, the FA-50 can carry a variety of armaments, including air-to-air missiles and guided bombs. Its modular design and advanced technology make it an ideal platform for the integration of external missile systems like the IRIS-T.

The KF-21 Block II represents the next generation of multi-role fighters developed by KAI, offering enhanced capabilities compared to the Block I. Featuring stealth technology to reduce its radar signature, the KF-21 is designed to balance air superiority and ground attack capabilities. It can reach speeds exceeding Mach 2 and is equipped with advanced avionics for electronic support and electronic warfare, thus improving its survivability and ability to operate in contested airspaces. The KF-21 Block II is also designed to carry a wide range of armaments, including the latest generation missiles like the IRIS-T, providing exceptional versatility on the battlefield.