South Korea has authorized full-rate production of its L-SAM long-range surface-to-air missile system under a 705.4-billion-won ($480 million) agreement with Hanwha Aerospace. Deliveries of interceptors and launchers are expected by 2030. L-SAM introduces high-altitude interception capability, using a dual-pulse motor and Divert and Control System developed domestically. Complementing existing Patriot and Cheongung II systems, it adds an upper-tier layer to South Korea’s missile defense architecture. A separate 357.3-billion-won ($243 million) contract awarded to Hanwha Systems covers the L-SAM Multifunction Radar. Additional programs include L-SAM II, now under development for greater altitude and range, and new radar upgrades with contributions from firms like Wavice.
