An IRIS-T short-range infrared-homing air-to-air missile has been successfully fired from a Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-21 Boramae air superiority fighter, the missile’s manufacturer Diehl Defence, announced on 7 June 2023.
The successful test firing was actually made on 4 April, Diehl reported, noting that this was just 10 months after the aircraft made its first flight.
With the introduction of the KF-21 Boramae into service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) expected from 2026, the IRIS-T has been selected as the aircraft’s standard short-range air-to-air missile.
The IRIS-T has already been integrated onto the Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab JAS 39 Gripen, Lockheed Martin F-16, Boeing EF-18, Northrop F-5 and Panavia Tornado combat aircraft.
“The successful participation of Diehl Defence within the Korean KF-21 Boramae fighter programme underlines the company’s position as leading supplier for guided missiles,” the company stated in a press release. “Both teams at KAI and Diehl Defence have achieved a remarkable success and Diehl Defence is ready to remain fully committed to the programme.”
Peter Felstead
