Hyundai Rotem is collaborating with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to develop long-range air-to-air missiles and other aerospace armament technologies for the KF-21 fighter jet.
On August 12, Hyundai Rotem announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with KAI at KAI's headquarters in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province.
The agreement aims to enhance the competitiveness of total solutions by combining Hyundai Rotem's guided weapon and propulsion technology with KAI's aircraft platform technology.
Under the MOU, the two companies will pursue technology cooperation in the development and system integration of aircraft platforms, including the KF-21, and long-range air-to-air missiles. They will also explore package export models linking aircraft and onboard weapons and jointly identify domestic and international business opportunities along with global marketing efforts.
Hyundai Rotem is expanding its business scope beyond ground weapon systems into the aerospace sector. The company has been conducting research and development on future propulsion systems, including hypersonic propulsion technologies, and accumulating related expertise.
Last year, it secured a project to develop methane engine technology for reusable launch vehicles, overseen by the Defense Technology Promotion Agency. Hyundai Rotem is also participating in the development of prototypes for long-range air-to-air guided weapons and the hypersonic vehicle 'HyCore,' led by the Agency for Defense Development, further broadening its aerospace business.
A Hyundai Rotem official stated, "This agreement will strengthen the competitiveness of both companies in the future aerospace armament sector. Based on our expertise and business capabilities, we will contribute to enhancing national defense and self-defense capabilities."
Meanwhile, last month, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) held a briefing on the long-range air-to-air missile system development project. The ADD has set the timeline for the domestic production of long-range air-to-air missiles from December 2026 to November 2033.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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