South Korea’s new supersonic anti-ship missile unveiled

The supersonic missile, known locally as the “Air-to-Ship Guided Missile-II,” program for the Republic of Korea Air Force is currently being developed by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD). The development program spans from 2022 to 2026. The missile model was unveiled to the public for the first time at the recent 2024 Sacheon Airshow.

The missile is a new weapon system capable of both high- and low-altitude supersonic flight, designed to strike targets at long range with precision. It is expected to enhance the strike capabilities of the FA-50 light combat aircraft, currently exported by South Korea, and the KF-21 Boramae fighter, which is now in serial production.

The supersonic air-to-ship (and air-to-ground) multirole missile serves a similar purpose to South Korea’s Cheonryong air-launched cruise missile (ALCM), with long-range precision strike capabilities against enemy ground targets. However, unlike the Cheonryong, this missile has the added advantage of supersonic speed. Traveling at Mach 2.5 (around 3,000 km/h), it reaches its target in about 5 minutes, making interception challenging and capable of striking targets over 300 km away. While other missiles cruise around 1,000 km/h, allowing the enemy more time to detect and intercept, this supersonic missile shortens that reaction window significantly.

This speed and efficiency come from its ducted ramjet propulsion system, which supports both high- and low-altitude supersonic flight. Additionally, the streamlined fuel supply design keeps the structure simple, enabling stable performance even under high maneuverability and rapid acceleration conditions. The ducted ramjet works by drawing in atmospheric air instead of using a rocket’s oxidizer, combusting it to power the ramjet engine. This design eliminates the need for an oxidizer, allowing for longer combustion duration and achieving higher speeds than standard jet engines while maintaining a simpler structure. The Korean missile bears a close resemblance with France’s ASMPA Air-to-Ground Medium-Range Strategic (nuclear) Missile.

Another feature of the supersonic air-to-ship missile is its modular design, allowing it to function as a multirole missile. By incorporating modules for both air-to-ground and air-to-ship missions, this missile can be quickly adapted for various functions, enhancing its operational versatility. It is also equipped with a dual seeker system, combining radar and electro-optical (EO/IR) seekers, enabling it to respond effectively to different weather conditions and mission scenarios.

The model unveiled this time is a test prototype, matching the missile’s final weight and dimensions, created to conduct drop tests and flight tests before completing the actual missile—similar to what the Air Force tested with its Cheonryong Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) in 2021.

According to ADD, the supersonic air-to-ship missile has been under development since 2022, with ADD overseeing the research and development until 2026. Starting in 2025, a total of three flight tests are planned. Domestic defense companies, including Hanwha Aerospace, are involved in the production of prototypes. The FA-50 light combat aircraft will participate in the flight tests, with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) handling system integration.

During the recent 164th Defense Acquisition Program Promotion Committee, DAPA stated that the basic project implementation strategy for the “Air-to-Ship Guided Missile-II” was reviewed and approved, with the project duration set from 2026 to 2035 and a total project cost of approximately 564.1 billion KRW disclosed. On top of this, DAPA expressed expectations for future export opportunities as a package with the KF-21.

If the integration of the supersonic air-to-ship missile with the FA-50 light combat aircraft is successful, along with the missile’s successful development, this would be promising news for countries currently interested in the FA-50 and KF-21. In particular, Poland, which has purchased the FA-50, and the Philippines, which is considering acquiring the KF-21, would gain access to a highly effective anti-ship and air-to-ground missile capability.

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