The military authorities are developing the L-SAMⅡ system, which can defend areas up to four times wider than the L-SAM (Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile) intercepting enemy missiles at an altitude of 40 km, aiming to export a multilayer air defense network. With the demand for the medium-range surface-to-air missile Cheongung (M-SAM)Ⅱ and L-SAM increasing, the development of L-SAMⅡ creates the potential for a 'package deal' on the multilayer air defense system.

According to military authorities on the 16th, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration held a project initiation meeting for the development of the L-SAMⅡ system on the 14th. The development of the L-SAMⅡ system will follow the same structure as that of the L-SAM. The L-SAM development involves LIG Nex1 for system integration, Hanwha Aerospace for missile system development and interceptor missile development and manufacturing, and Hanwha Systems for the multifunctional phased array radar (MFR). Approximately 567.7 billion won will be invested in the development of the L-SAMⅡ system by 2028, with a total of 19 companies participating, including these three.

Video of the ground hover test of the long-range surface-to-air missile L-SAM. While typical missiles change direction with control fins, missiles flying at high altitudes like the L-SAM change direction with multiple rocket nozzles due to the thin air density in the atmosphere. /Courtesy of Ministry of National Defense

The L-SAMⅡ is expected to have the capability to intercept enemy hypersonic missiles at altitudes of 60 to 150 km. Currently, the military operates a joint air defense network established with the U.S., utilizing the THAAD (40 to 150 km), Patriot (15 to 40 km), and the domestic weapons systems Cheongung-Ⅱ (15 to 30 km). With the addition of L-SAMⅡ, North Korean missiles will be intercepted multilaterally from both upper and lower tiers.

Some Middle Eastern countries are showing interest in CheongungⅡ and L-SAM. One country in the Middle East reportedly sent a request for information regarding L-SAM to domestic defense companies in 2023. The request for information is an official document asking for the basic information of the weapons systems and is the first step in purchasing defense material. Last year, another Middle Eastern country also sent a request for information.

So far, there have been no specific discussions regarding the purchase of L-SAM by these countries, but inquiries continue. A spokesman from a defense company noted, 'As global demand for weapons increases, the production schedule is tight,' adding, 'As countries seek to defend against missiles from high altitudes due to instability in the Middle East, inquiries have been increasing.'

The Cheongung-II launcher developed by Hanwha Defense. /Courtesy of Hanwha Defense

In this situation, if the development of L-SAMⅡ is successfully completed, interest from other countries in Korea's multilayer air defense network is expected to grow. Since it is possible to integrate the systems of CheongungⅡ and L-SAM and provide a multilayer defense system independently, it is cheaper than the United States and Israel. The L-SAM has the highest domestic production rate among weapons systems, allowing for free exports.

A government official stated, 'The export of the entire Korean multilayer air defense network, from Cheongung to L-SAM and L-SAMⅡ, signifies a stage of growth for Korean defense exports, which have until now focused primarily on individual weapons systems.'

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