Sacheon: Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) and Hyundai Rotem Co. announced their collaboration on Thursday to jointly develop and integrate long-range air-to-air missiles for the KF-21 fighter jet. The agreement also aims to explore opportunities for exporting aircraft and weapons packages to international markets.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on airborne weapons cooperation at KAI's headquarters in Sacheon. This agreement includes cooperation on the development and systems integration of aircraft platforms like the KF-21, and airborne weapons such as long-range air-to-air missiles.

The partnership will focus on developing package-type export models that combine aircraft with onboard weapons. Both companies will also work together to identify business opportunities domestically and internationally, as well as in global marketing efforts.

The MOU signing coincides with Hyundai Rotem's initiative to expand its business scope beyond ground weapon systems into the aerospace sector. This includes the development of propulsion systems, long-range air-to-air guided weapons, and hypersonic flight vehicles.

Earlier this year, South Korea completed the development of the KF-21, a project that began over a decade ago with an investment of 8.8 trillion won (approximately US$6.04 billion). KAI plans to deliver the first batch of 40 KF-21 fighter jets to the Air Force by 2028 and aims to produce an additional 80 aircraft by 2032, increasing the Air Force's KF-21 fleet to 120 aircraft.