A lot of people go ga ga over pics and concepts. It is another thing altogether 2 operationalise the concepts. One should follow the loyal wingman development by Boeing-Australia and see how difficult it has been. Developing the UAV chassis is one thing but to develop the brains, AI and connective systems is another thing al2gether.

berapa puluh kg agaknya explosives ada dalam SUV tu?
big ass explosion woooo

Cheonryong: South Korea’s New Air Launched Cruise Missile

By ORION_INT in EDITORIAL, MISSILES, SOUTH KOREA  
December 2, 2021

September was a month packed full of missile tests for the Koreas, one test flew under the radar for many Korea watchers. This was the drop test of the stealthy South Korean Cheonryong (천룡/Celestial Dragon) Air launched cruise missile (ALCM) for the in-development KF-21 fighter.



This Cheonryong cruise missile developed by the ADD and LIG Nex1 is believed to have been based off of the KEPD-350 Taurus as was reported in 2018. South Korea bought the Taurus missiles for use with their F-15 Slam Eagles when the sale of JASSM missiles was refused. The missiles with their 500km range currently serve a crucial role in South Korea’s air launched strike capability towards North Korea and possibly serve a role in their plan to attack the DPRK’s underground facilities. South Korea is believed to have 170 missiles with 90 more on order.

Air launched cruise missiles are huge assets to any airforce. For the ROKAF they bring Redundancy and might aid ground based assets like ballistic missiles or GLCMs like the Hyunmoo-3.

The drop test for the missile took place from a ROKAF F-4 Phantom fighter with the missile gliding and hitting its target zone. The Phantom with its ability to carry a large payload and its high speed is an ideal platform to test/carry and air launched cruise missiles. It is currently also used by the Turkish Air Force to carry their Sage Tubitak ALCM.


Cheonryong ALCM Dimensions estimate

Comparing the missile to a fuel drop tank carried by the F-4 phantom shows the missile’s length to be 4.64m. The missile is smaller in comparison to the Taurus which is 5.1m long. One possible reason for its smaller size might be to make it easier to mount on the KAI KF-21 Boramae.



The Cheonryong shares some similarities with the Taurus but has considerable differences. This missile is “beveled” on its edges compared to the taurus which is smoother. The Omission of an IR sensor is also notable. The ALCM’s wing configuration seems to be different from the Taurus with its wings being sleeker and longer. Many of these features might be to make it more aerodynamically efficient while also reducing its RCS signature. Although the missile’s range is not yet known it is likely equal or higher to the taurus.



Cheongryong will likely be a significant part of the ROKAFs strike capability in the coming future and is something worth keeping an eye on.

Just fyi 2 put things in perspective. South Korea was only able to build the Kf 21 after Lockheed and General Electric provided some tech and guidance=assistance. Meanwhie Elbit and Elta of Israel provided terrain following/avoidance sensors and radar.

South Korea is just not there yet in terms of building aerial vehicles at that level. Maybe they could do it by themselves in future. But not now.

But it also why Msia should not touch this jet and go for 5th gen jets from the US or Europe.

I cited radar. The koreans are getting it from israel:

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-det...h-israeli-firms

It remains to be seen if the US will release top end AESA radars e.g. the Sabr radar on the F16V for the KF 21. Why should they? If you want a US radar buy a US plane.

Looks like Israel will know a lot abt the kf 21s electronics. Other sensors are also provided for by Israel.

New Supersonic Anti-Ship Missile For South Korea’s KF-X Breaks Cover

The first artist impression of a new supersonic anti-ship missile for South Korea's KF-X fighter has been released.

Xavier Vavasseur  15 Feb 2021



Locally known as “400mm-class Air-to-Ship Guided Missile-II” (400mm급 공대함유도탄-II), this missile features a ducted ramjet propulsion with range of 500km. It is expected to undergo live fire testing in 2026 and enter service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) next generation fighter, the KF-X, in the late 2020s or early 2030s.

Contacted by Naval News, a Korean defense industry source confirmed that this missile is being developed by local missile systems manufacturer LIG Nex1 with the ADD (Agency for Defense Development, 국방과학연구소).

Is there even a 100% client state now that the cold war is over?

Asean is fragmented. The indos somehow think they a natural leader. The Msians think they are 2 - depends on who is in charge. Esp TDM. But Msias a mess. The thais are divided. The vietnamese think their time has come and wants 2 lead a crusade against China. The Burmese think their time has come until the latest coup. Sgs thinks everyone else is corrupt and somewhat down the evolutionary ladder.

But one things for sure. There wont be a united Asean and practically all major global powers (indo isnt one) wants 2 be here. It isnt a bad thing. And yes, Malaysia wants it that way.

Here r 2 other similar developments elsewhere:



India AMCA



Turkish stealth jet

The KF 21 is in this group - second tier of light to medium fighters; 1st tier being 4.5th, 5th or 6th gen jets from US and  Europe.

There is no way the KF 21can be better than the ones from US or Europe given its systems, radar and sensors. Even the construction methods and materials can be different which impacts RCS, aero-dynamics, etc.

Save up. Post 2035, RMAF can buy F35s. Look beyond pretty promotional pictures with aspirational capabilities, weapons, etc.