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South Korean defence prime Hanwha Aerospace has confirmed it will develop a prototype high-altitude surface-to-air missile system capable of shooting down ballistic missiles.
The proposed L-SAM-II guided missile system, developed under a South Korean Agency for Defense Development contract, will feature a position and attitude control system designed to precisely direct a kill vehicle to intercept ballistic missiles using 10 thrust control valves.
The project is envisioned as a mass-produced exportable defence system to contribute towards multi-layer air defence networks and is aimed for complete development before 2028.
“As the demand for multi-layer air defence networks is rapidly increasing worldwide, we will secure core technologies to contribute to strengthening South Korea’s national defence capabilities and play a leading role in exporting K-air defence networks,” according to a Hanwha Aerospace official (translated).
Hanwha Aerospace has reportedly already signed agreements for prototype development, technology integration and verification of the L-SAM-II guided missile system.
In the Indo-Pacific, Hanwha Defense has previously offered a variant of the K-MLRS M239 Chunmoo to Australia as the rebranded “Whitetail” rocket artillery system for technology transfer, local vehicle and missile production.
The base vehicle is currently in service with the South Korean Army and fires 130mm, 230 missiles for direct strike missions.
