The South Korean Navy has conducted its first domestic maritime missile live-fire test in the East Sea, also called the Sea of Japan.
An aerial target was struck by an SM-2 ship-to-air missile being tracked from the Samcheok Marine Research center on Gangwon province’s eastern coast.
The Raytheon missile can pursue aircraft and anti-ship missiles up to 104 miles (167 kilometers) away.
Seoul bought the missiles in 2021 from the US for $314 million.
Domestic Missile Test Facility
Opened in 2021, the live-fire maritime test facility provides various analytical services, including underwater noise and infrared testing, according to Stars and Stripes.
The navy previously tested the SM-2 at the Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands in Hawaii, the Yonhap News Agency wrote, citing the service.
Holding the tests in South Korea will save the country approximately 1 billion South Korean won ($769,822) per session, the outlet added.