KASOM is approximately one meter shorter and about 500 kilograms lighter than the Taurus KEPD 350, enabling integration not only on the KF-21 but also on light combat aircraft such as the FA-50. Widely regarded as one of the longest-range air-to-surface cruise missiles in service, Taurus combines deep-penetration capability — reportedly able to pierce up to five meters of reinforced concrete — with high survivability. Its ability to evade air defenses and destroy hardened targets has made it a strategic asset in high-threat environments.

The latest variant selected by the three European nations, Taurus NEO, represents far more than a routine upgrade. Based on the original Taurus KEPD 350 operated by the German Air Force, the NEO version incorporates substantial redesign elements tailored for next-generation threat environments. Enhanced navigation and guidance systems, improved survivability, and strengthened air-defense penetration capabilities are central to the upgrade. Although official range figures remain undisclosed, analysts estimate it could reach 600–700 kilometers.

A Market Shift: Strike Reach Over Stealth

This surge in long-range missile procurement is reshaping the global fighter market.

Countries facing heightened security risks are increasingly opting for 4th- or 4.5-generation fighters capable of deploying long-range precision strike weapons, rather than prioritizing 5th-generation stealth platforms. The emphasis is shifting from the airframe to the weapon system.

Spain ordered 25 additional Eurofighter Typhoons in 2024, while Germany added 20 more aircraft to its fleet. These decisions highlight a broader recalibration: what matters most is not the generation label, but how far, how precisely, and how survivably an aircraft can strike.

A similar trend is visible in South America. Following Brazil’s acquisition of the Gripen, Colombia selected the Swedish fighter, and Thailand is reportedly considering additional purchases beyond its initial four-aircraft order. Industry observers note that these decisions coincided with ongoing integration efforts to equip the Gripen with Taurus-class long-range cruise missiles.

“The message is clear,” said one aerospace industry executive. “A well-integrated, combat-proven long-range missile can transform even a legacy 4th-generation fighter into a credible strategic deterrent platform.”

Among U.S.-made fighters, Taurus integration is being explored beyond the F-15, with preparations underway for potential integration on the F-16. Notably, the United Arab Emirates has moved quickly to enhance its existing fleet rather than acquire entirely new platforms — a strategy aimed at maximizing capability per dollar by adding long-range strike options. The shift is symbolic: procurement logic is moving from “newest generation” to “most credible strike package.”

Export Controls Create Market Gaps

The United States’ export policy has also contributed to this realignment. AGM-158 JASSM-ER — the extended-range version of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile — reportedly exceeds 900 kilometers in range. However, export approvals remain tightly controlled and largely restricted to key U.S. allies. Limited accessibility has created space for European alternatives to gain traction. Strategic weapons export restrictions are reshaping market structures, which in turn influence fighter procurement strategies worldwide.

KASOM: Korea’s Emerging Variable

Another potential disruptor is Korea’s indigenous next-generation long-range air-launched cruise missile, KASOM. Unveiled at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) last year, KASOM is reportedly about one meter shorter and roughly 500 kilograms lighter than Taurus KEPD 350. Despite its reduced size, it is said to deliver 90–100 percent of Taurus-class performance. With a top speed near Mach 0.95 and a range exceeding 400 kilometers, KASOM is designed to penetrate up to six meters of reinforced concrete. Its triple-redundant navigation architecture — combining imaging-based guidance, terrain-referenced navigation and GPS — is intended to ensure precision strike capability even in GPS-jammed environments.

The KF-21 Question

At the center of this debate lies KF-21 Boramae. While the Republic of Korea Air Force is expected to integrate a domestic long-range cruise missile onto its fleet, questions remain about export configurations. International customers will likely demand flexibility based on their alliance structures, strategic doctrines and existing weapons inventories. Industry sources argue that the success of Sweden’s Gripen provides a clear lesson. “If you look at why the Gripen is selling, the answer becomes obvious,” one defense industry official said. “Missile integration options matter.” A retired military officer echoed that view, emphasizing the need for a dual-track strategy: integrating both Korea’s indigenous long-range cruise missile and globally recognized systems such as Taurus onto export variants of the KF-21. “Expanding weapon choice is expanding export competitiveness,” he said.

The New Formula

The fighter market formula has unmistakably changed. Platform generation is no longer the primary determinant of export success. What matters is credible, survivable, long-range strike capability. The resurgence of 4th-generation fighters is not an anomaly; it reflects strategic logic in an era defined by precision and reach. The decisive question is straightforward: What weapons will the KF-21 carry into the global market? In an age where long-range missiles sell fighters, the future of Korea’s next-generation export ambitions may hinge less on the aircraft itself — and more on the strike options beneath its wings.

K-DEFENSE NEWS | Strategic Analysis Desk

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