Hanwha launches development of long-range air-to-air missile

The graphic shows the concept design of South Korea's Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAM). (Janes/Photos by Akhil Kadidal)

Hanwha Aerospace is proceeding with the development of South Korea's long-range air-to-air missile (LRAAM), which is intended to be comparable in performance to the MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), a company spokesperson said.

The missile is intended to replace the Meteor in service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) upon successful completion, the spokesperson told Janes .

A concept model of LRAAM displayed by the company at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) in October 2025 showed the narrow-bodied missile with two asymmetric ramjet motor air intakes. While visually similar to the Meteor BVRAAM, the concept featured stabilisation fins on the intakes, a design element absent from the Meteor.

South Korea's Agency for Defense Development (ADD) is leading the development of the LRAAM. “The missile development itself is a government-led programme scheduled to run from 2026 through 2033, in which Hanwha Aerospace will participate,” the Hanwha Aerospace spokesperson said.

However, the programme will utilise Hanwha Aerospace's research in ramjet propulsion technologies. According to the spokesperson, the company began preliminary research and development (R&D) into ducted ramjet propulsion – including propellants, gas generators and combustors – in 2005. The spokesperson added that the missile will be powered by a solid-fuel ducted ramjet engine.

South Korea's Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) first announced the missile programme in April 2024. At the time, the intent was to start the KRW1.57 trillion (USD1 billion) programme in 2025 and complete development by 2038. Janes understands, however, the programme began in early 2026 following approval by the Defense Acquisition Program Committee, which operates under DAPA, in September 2025.