KAI and MBDA sign MoU to integrate SPEAR missile onto KF-21

Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) and European missile manufacturer MBDA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate the SPEAR air-to-ground missile onto the KF-21 Boramae multirole fighter, marking another step in their ongoing defense cooperation.

The agreement, announced during the Seoul ADEX 2025 exhibition, builds on a previous partnership formed in June 2023 between the two companies. The new MoU aims to enhance the KF-21’s precision-strike capabilities by pairing KAI’s next-generation fighter with MBDA’s guided missile systems.

According to the announcement, the KF-21, currently equipped with MBDA’s Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile will gain an advanced air-to-ground strike option through the integration of SPEAR. The missile, powered by a turbojet engine and equipped with a multi-sensor seeker and precision warhead, is capable of engaging a wide variety of targets on land and at sea, offering extended range and reduced collateral damage.

MBDA described the SPEAR as designed for high survivability and flexible payload configurations, allowing multiple missiles to be carried for increased operational endurance.

The companies stated that this latest agreement reinforces their partnership and shared goal of exploring additional opportunities for the integration of MBDA weapons across KAI’s platforms.