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S. Korea Approves Next-Gen Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile 

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition and Program Administration (DAPA) has approved the development of an improved version of the long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM).

A total of 567.7 billion South Korean won ($388 million) has been earmarked for the development through 2028, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The state-run Agency for Defense Development will be involved in the development along with 19 other companies.

L-SAM II

The altitude and range of the L-SAM II will significantly exceed the L-SAM’s, which are above 40 kilometers (25 miles) and 150 kilometers (93 miles), respectively.

The L-SAM’s development was completed in December, and its serial production is expected to start this year.

It employs hit-to-kill interception technology and comprises a combat control station and four truck-mounted launchers, two each for anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic interceptors.

According to Yonhap, the L-SAM II could enhance the missile defense coverage three to four times that of the L-SAM.

To Counter Hypersonic, Ballistic Missiles

An amount of 2.71 trillion South Korean won ($1.86 billion) was approved by the DAPA in 2023 for the development of the L-SAM II from 2024 to 2035, according to Asian Military Review.

It includes the development of a gliding-stage interceptor missile aimed at North Korea’s hypersonic weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Also being developed is the Low-Altitude Missile Defence system to counter Pyongyang’s long-range artillery barrages.

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