IRIA News

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South Korea has approved the large-scale production of its Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM) system after Hanwha Aerospace signed a 705.4 billion Korean won ($480 million) contract through the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

The agreement marks one of the biggest milestones in the country’s ongoing overhaul of its national air and missile defense architecture.

Under the deal, Hanwha Aerospace will deliver L-SAM interceptor missiles and launchers to the Republic of Korea Armed Forces through 2030. Once fielded, the system will form the uppermost layer of South Korea’s multilayered air-defence network, engaging ballistic missile threats before existing lower-tier systems such as the Cheongung II (M-SAM) and Patriot are activated.

The L-SAM represents South Korea’s first domestically developed, long-range missile-defense capability to incorporate several advanced technologies. The interceptor uses a Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) and a dual-pulse propulsion motor—systems that were not previously produced in Korea.

These features enable maneuverability and precise guidance at altitudes of around 50–60 km, where thin air makes standard aerodynamic control ineffective. Officials say this high-altitude engagement capability will significantly increase the reliability and survivability of the country’s missile-defense posture as North Korea continues developing more sophisticated ballistic and air-breathing threats.

Hanwha Aerospace said, “This contract represents an important milestone in Hanwha Aerospace’s contribution to Korea’s air and missile defense. Through the stable mass production of L-SAM, we will help strengthen the security of the Republic of Korea. At the same time, the technologies and experience accumulated through this program will support deeper, higher-value defense cooperation with global partner nations.”

Radar-Production Contract

Alongside the missile-production deal, DAPA has also awarded Hanwha Systems a $243 million contract to produce the L-SAM’s Multifunction Radar (MFR). The radar functions as the “eyes” of the system, detecting and tracking incoming ballistic missiles and hostile aircraft while guiding interceptors toward their targets.

The MFR contract follows earlier radar-related awards, including a $18 million agreement with Wavice for the production of high-power amplifier boards used in the system. South Korea views these radar components as critical to expanding detection ranges, improving multi-target tracking, and enhancing resilience against evolving missile tactics.

L-SAM II: Expanding the Engagement Envelope

South Korea’s air-defense modernization extends well beyond the initial L-SAM system. In June 2025, Hanwha Aerospace secured a $135 million development contract from the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) for L-SAM II, the next-generation high-altitude interceptor scheduled for completion around 2028.

L-SAM II aims to intercept ballistic missiles at significantly greater distances and altitudes, three to four times the engagement envelope of the current system. The upgraded variant will include two interceptor types: a high-altitude missile like L-SAM and a new glide-phase interceptor designed to counter hypersonic glide vehicles.

Hanwha Systems is separately developing a next-generation radar for L-SAM II under a 54.7-billion Korean won ($37 million) contract. The upgraded sensor suite is expected to offer greater detection ranges and improved performance against advanced missile threats, including maneuvering re-entry vehicles and hypersonic weapons.

In May 2024, the South Korean government approved an accelerated development timeline for L-SAM II, targeting completion by 2032 with a total budget of approximately $775 million. Officials have described the project as vital for reinforcing national deterrence, particularly as North Korea expands its inventory of solid-fuel missiles and short-notice launch capabilities.

Growing Industrial Roles and Export Ambitions

South Korea’s defense-industrial base is heavily involved in the L-SAM ecosystem. While Hanwha Aerospace is producing the anti-ballistic missile variant, LIG Nex1 is responsible for the standard L-SAM missile, broadening industrial participation across the program.

Companies including Wavice and other subsystem manufacturers are also supplying radar and electronic components, reflecting South Korea’s broader effort to localize high-end missile-defense technologies.

With the successful export record of the medium-range M-SAM, sold to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, defense officials hope L-SAM and, eventually, L-SAM II could achieve similar success once full development and operational testing are complete.

A Key Step in Strengthening National Defense

South Korea’s investment in L-SAM comes at a time of rapid regional missile proliferation and heightened concerns over North Korea’s expanding capabilities. The layering of M-SAM, Patriot, and now L-SAM is intended to provide multiple engagement opportunities, reducing the chance of incoming missiles penetrating national defenses.

Officials say the latest contracts underscore South Korea’s determination to maintain an indigenous, resilient, and export-capable missile-defense ecosystem.

With mass production now underway, delivery timelines confirmed, and next-generation systems progressing, the L-SAM program has become one of the cornerstones of South Korea’s long-term defense strategy.