Seoul - South Korea's domestically developed KF-21 fighter jet is scheduled to conduct its first live-fire test with the long-range Meteor missile this week. Sources revealed on Tuesday that the test will take place over the southern coastal waters on Wednesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this test follows successful trials in March 2023, where two prototype KF-21s accomplished mid-air separation of Meteor test missiles. A successful test would not only confirm the KF-21's long-range and interception capabilities but also place it alongside advanced fighter jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafael, and Gripen that have similar capabilities.
The Meteor missile, known for its ability to travel over four times the speed of sound and target objects more than 200 kilometers away, is set to enhance the KF-21’s combat capabilities significantly. Each jet can carry up to four of these missiles, with deployment starting next month. Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. has plans to manufacture 40 KF-21 aircraft over the next two years, with the South Korean Air Force expected to receive its first batch in the latter half of 2026 to replace older F-4 and F-5 jets.