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.