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| South Korea's KF-21 Boramae Fighter Successfully Fires the AIM-2000 IRIS-T Missile For the First Time |
Seoul - South Korea's KF-21 Boramae fighter jet successfully fired its AIM-2000 IRIS-T missile for the first time on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. This firing came one week after Boramae launched its dummy Meteor BVRAAM missile weapon and 20 mm automatic cannon on March 28. .,
The IRIS-T (Infra Red Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) is an infrared guided air-to-air missile designed for close combat.
IRIS-T was developed under a joint venture by Germany and six other countries. The leading company Diehl BGT Defense represents the German side. This missile was created as a short-range air-to-air missile that is superior to the US-made AIM-9 Sidewinder. The IRIS-T development program was announced in 1995. This missile entered service since December 2005.
The IRIS-T is considered one of the most advanced short-range anti-aircraft missiles. Can engage targets 360 degrees around it, without maneuvering towards the enemy.
In addition to the IRIS-T, the Boramae can also be equipped with MBDA Meteor air-to-air missiles made by a joint venture of France, Britain and Italy. The MBDA Meteor is a Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM).