German IRIS-T missile launched for the first time from a South Korean KF-21 fighter jet

As part of the development of the South Korean KF-21 Generation 4.5 fighter jet, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has tested the short-range IRIS-T air-to-air missile manufactured by Diehl Defence for the first time.

Here's What We Know

The partnership between KAI and Diehl Defence continues to gain momentum, particularly after the successful launch of the IRIS-T from the KF-21. The two companies have started integrating the missile into other fighters, such as KAI's FA-50, highlighting the versatility and effectiveness of IRIS-T in various combat scenarios.

The launch of the IRIS-T with the KF-21 opens up new opportunities for the use of this missile in various countries that are considering modernising their military platforms. From now on, the KF-21, together with the FA-50, will become a real force in the airspace.

So far, IRIS-T has been integrated into major combat aircraft such as the Panavia Tornado, Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab JAS 39 Gripen, Lockheed Martin F-16, Boeing EF-18 and Northrop F-5. The system is in service or on order in several NATO countries, as well as in Brazil, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and South Africa.

The integration of IRIS-T into a variety of combat aircraft and fighter jets extends the missile's use, making it a key component of defence in various countries, including Ukraine, which has selected the SLM version for its needs. In Ukraine, the medium-range version of the SLM has proven itself in the campaign against Russia with high launch rates.

Source: European Security & Defence