LIG D&A Wins KF-21 Missile Development Bid

The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) has chosen LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIG D&A) to lead the integration of the long-range air-to-air guided missile system for the new Korean fighter, the KF-21 Boramae. Though the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has placed an ongoing restriction on LIG D&A's eligibility to bid, the evaluation of proposals revealed that LIG D&A emerged as the preferred bidder for five out of twelve detailed tasks.

These were system end-item, tail wing actuator, integrated electronic unit, inertial navigation system, and seeker, with Hanwha Aerospace taking charge of three tasks and Hanwha Systems two. The project aims to create this advanced missile using domestic technology, with an estimated development cost of 753.3 billion won by 2033.

This includes the cost of mass production, leading to a total project scale of approximately 1.9 trillion won. Should the missile prove successful, it could boost the KF-21's independent weapon operations and enhance the Republic of Korea's export competitiveness. LIG D&A expressed confidence in their ability to meet this challenge, stating their willingness to contribute to defense exports and the Republic's military power.

However, the ongoing legal proceedings regarding DAPA's restriction on LIG D&A's qualification for bidding remains a variable in the project's success.