South Korea has completed the development of the domestically-made Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM) system.

The L-SAM, which is designed to intercept incoming targets, such as North Korea’s KN-23 and KN-24 tactical ballistic missiles, during their terminal phases at altitudes of 50-60 km, was recently assessed as combat-suitable as it met the military’s technical requirements, according to the Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

With the completion of its development, the L-SAM is expected to begin production next year and be deployed for operations by 2028. Once deployed, the L-SAM is expected to play a key role in the country’s multi-layered missile shield called the Korea Air and Missile Defence.

The military currently operates the domestically-made Medium-range Surface-to-Air Missile system and the US Patriot Advanced Capability-3 system to intercept incoming missiles at lower altitudes than the L-SAM.

For targets at higher altitudes, the country has so far relied on the US Forces Korea’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system that can defend against upper-tier threats at altitudes of 40-150 km.

The military is currently developing a Block-II version of the L-SAM designed to intercept targets at altitudes higher than the current one.

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