Bunker-buster 'Cheonryong' missile flight test successful, South Korea's KF-21 unlocks long-range strike capability

South Korea has achieved a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the successful first powered flight test of its indigenously developed "Cheonryong" (Dragon) long-range cruise missile. This achievement overcomes previous testing failures and propels the development program forward.

The Cheonryong missile boasts a range exceeding 600 kilometers and is specifically designed to target underground hardened facilities, such as command posts and bunkers. Its low-altitude flight design and terrain-following navigation technology are intended to enhance its penetration capabilities. The missile will be integrated into South Korea's next-generation KF-21 "Boramae" (Hawk) fighter jet, significantly boosting the nation's long-range precision strike capacity and reducing reliance on imported weaponry.

The development, led by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), aims to strengthen South Korea's independent long-range strike capabilities. The missile is slated for completion by 2028, with mass production commencing in 2029 and deployment expected in the early 2030s, coinciding with the KF-21's operational service. Further testing will focus on guidance, navigation, and weapon integration to ensure combat readiness.

The KF-21 program itself is a cornerstone of South Korea's defense modernization efforts, intended to replace aging F-4 and F-5 fighter jets. The fighter is being equipped with a range of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and long-range precision strike weapons to expand its combat effectiveness.