The domestically developed multipurpose fighter jet FA-50 carries a long-range air-to-surface missile on a test flight. (Defense Acquisition Program Administration)
By Kang Gahui
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on June 25 said the Republic of Korea Air Force's 3rd Training Wing two days earlier conducted a flight test for the safe separation of the country's first domestically developed guided long-range air-to-surface missile (ASM).
The test confirmed no interference with the plane's structure or external attachments when the guided projectile separates from the aircraft, with aircraft reaction traits upon separation found to not impede mission performance.
The exercise was conducted using a test separate-loading ammunition loaded on the FA-50, a domestically developed multifaceted fighter jet.
DAPA will keep doing tests with the FA-50 and verify its operational performance by mounting long-range ASMs on the prototype of the next-generation fighter KF-21 from 2027.
"The success of the separation safety flight test is an important milestone in the development of long-range guided ASMs," the agency said. "Packaged exports of the KF-21 and guided missiles are expected to raise our competitiveness in overseas markets."
kgh89@korea.kr
