South Korea completed Cheonryong, or KALCM, cruise missile technical flight testing, also called South Korean Taurus for destroying DPRK leaders in bunkers. On June 25, 2026 it managed to demonstrate successful launch from FA-50 aircraft and subsequent flight.
As Naver material states, such tests were previously conducted in January and March 2026 but were unsuccessful. Immediately after separation from carrier, missile engine could not properly start, so it was shut down and missiles fell into sea.
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However in June 2026, Cheonryong technical flight testing was nevertheless completed. According to current plans, local Taurus analog development should be completed in 2028, serial production started in 2029 and deployed in forces in early 2030s.
It is noted KALCM is created to provide South Korean Air Force arsenal of up to 600 long-range cruise missiles. Own product will supplement 260 German Taurus in service. Recall Germany does not transfer the latter to Ukraine, reasons for which have not been voiced.
Defense Express notes failed tests happen, especially for completely new products. They are conducted for that purpose — to identify possible problems and conduct work to eliminate deficiencies.
Notably, 3 months after failure technical flight tests were nevertheless successfully completed, meaning problems were corrected. Now cruise missile confirmed air platform use capability, although so far light combat FA-50 aircraft.
It is known Cheonryong range will exceed 500 km. However to achieve such result, launch must be conducted from new South Korean KF-21 fighter, which has already begun serial delivery to local air forces.
According to currently available information, KALCM integration onto its final platform is planned for 2027. At the same time, besides South Korea reinforcement, missile should increase new aircraft international market attractiveness by providing long-range bunker-busting warhead target engagement capabilities with minimum deviation.
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