{"id":2202519,"date":"2023-10-19T08:00:53","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T23:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202519"},"modified":"2023-11-20T16:30:31","modified_gmt":"2023-11-20T07:30:31","slug":"south-koreas-defense-exports-to-expand-with-taurus-missile-collaboration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/10\/south-koreas-defense-exports-to-expand-with-taurus-missile-collaboration\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea\u2019s defense exports to expand with TAURUS missile collaboration"},"content":{"rendered":"
LIG Nex1<\/span><\/a>, a South Korean defense company, is set to embark on a <\/span>collaborative venture<\/span><\/a> with Germany\u2019s <\/span>TAURUS Systems<\/span><\/a> for the co-development of the TAURUS KEPD 350K-2 cruise missile, as per the agreement formalized at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2023. This agreement, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), brings together the two companies\u2019 technical expertise and aims to respond to the burgeoning demand for advanced missiles, particularly against the backdrop of the FA-50 fighter jets\u2019 export expansion.<\/span><\/p>\n The joint endeavor primarily focuses on refining and reducing the size of the existing <\/span>TAURUS KEPD 350K<\/span><\/a> missiles, positioning them for international markets. This collaboration highlights LIG Nex1\u2019s move to leverage its guided weapons technology in the competitive aerospace sector. The agreement signifies a mutual commitment between LIG Nex1 and TAURUS Systems to share technological insights and strategize concrete plans for the co-development project, potentially influencing the dynamics of military defense capabilities globally.<\/span><\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/b><\/p>\n The partnership between LIG Nex1 and TAURUS Systems highlights South Korea\u2019s ambition to broaden its footprint in the global arms industry. The initiative to co-develop the TAURUS KEPD 350K-2 cruise missile is a response to domestic operational requirements and a calculated move to enhance South Korea\u2019s defense exports. Due to their size, the existing TAURUS KEPD 350K missiles are <\/span>incompatible<\/span><\/a> with the FA-50 fighter jets. The development of the KEPD 350K-2, a more compact model, will augment the ROK Air Force\u2019s capabilities and cater to the operational needs of the FA-50s, making the jets a more attractive offering on the international market.<\/span><\/p>\n The FA-50 has already seen international success with countries like <\/span>Poland<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand<\/span><\/a> among its users. The compatibility of the KEPD 350K-2 with the FA-50 will likely bolster the jet\u2019s marketability, potentially driving more sales. Ongoing <\/span>discussions with Egypt<\/span><\/a> further underscore the jet\u2019s growing appeal. By offering a comprehensive package of the FA-50 equipped with state-of-the-art missiles, South Korea is positioning itself as a competitive and reliable player in the global defense market, capable of meeting diverse tactical needs.<\/span><\/p>\n