Hanwha signs second TAipers ATGM production deal
The TAipers air-launched anti-tank guided missile displayed at the DX Korea 2022 defence show. (Hanwha Aerospace)
Hanwha Aerospace has signed a second contract with South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to mass-produce the company's TAipers (‘Tank Snipers' or Cheongeom) air-launched anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) for the Republic of Korea Army (RoKA).
Hanwha Aerospace said on 3 December that the contract is worth KRW225.4 billion (USD153 million) and that the missiles are scheduled to be delivered to the RoKA by 2028 for integration onto the service's Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) produced by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).
The initial mass production contract was awarded to Hanwha Aerospace in 2024, with deliveries running until 2031. DAPA told Janes in 2024 that the missiles to be produced under the initial deal were for integration into the RoKA's LAH and for the KAI MUH-1 Marineon helicopter, which is operated by the RoK Marine Corps (RoKMC).
Looking forward, Hanwha Aerospace said additional TAipers ordered were anticipated for fitment onto KAI's new Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH), which is under development for the RoKMC and completed its first flight test in December 2024.
The LAH can carry a maximum of four TAipers missiles, two mounted on each side. Fitted onto the MAH platform, the optional armament package is likely to consist of eight TAipers ATGMs, four on each side.
The TAipers ATGM was developed by DAPA's Agency for Defense Development in partnership with Hanwha Aerospace. Development of the missile was completed in late 2022, primarily for the LAH.
Go beyond the headlines - with direct links to interconnected entities
Get full access to validated equipment, military capabilities, and market insights.
