Hyundai Rotem and Korea Aerospace Industries have partnered to develop long-range air-to-air missile technology for South Korea's KF-21 fighter jet.
Hyundai Rotem and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have partnered to develop long-range air-to-air missile technology for South Korea's KF-21 fighter jet.
The framework for cooperation focuses on expanding joint research and technology exchange while supporting future exports in the air defense sector, according to a report by Maeil Business.
Under the partnership, Hyundai Rotem will contribute its guided weapons and propulsion technologies, while KAI will provide aircraft integration expertise as the prime developer of the KF-21.
The companies aim to create a more comprehensive aircraft-and-weapons package for international customers as demand grows for integrated defense solutions.
Hyundai Rotem said combining the two companies' core technologies is expected to improve competitiveness in future aerial weapons while supporting the country's long-term defense industrial strategy.
South Korea Expands Air Defense Partnerships
The Hyundai Rotem-KAI agreement is the latest in a series of collaborations centered on South Korea’s air defense.
In February, Hanwha Aerospace partnered with KAI on aerial weapons development, including technologies that could be integrated into future variants of the KF-21.
In March, South Korea and the UAE signed a defense cooperation framework worth more than $35 billion, establishing collaboration across the full defense lifecycle, including design, development, training, sustainment, and integrated air defense systems.
The momentum follows an October 2025 agreement between AeroVironment and Korean Air to jointly develop a new tactical unmanned aerial system centered on a locally adapted version of the JUMP 20 vertical takeoff and landing drone.
