L-SAM Anti-Missile System. Photo: X @ROK_MND
South Korea announced the completion of its domestic L-SAM anti-missile system, designed to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles. The announcement was made on the official page of the Ministry of Defense of South Korea, which also outlined the next steps for the system’s deployment.
+ Click here to see the operation of the L-SAM Anti-Missile System
The L-SAM is a central piece in the country’s missile defense strategy and will be used to neutralize threats, particularly from North Korea. With development complete, personnel training and the delivery of the system to the armed forces are set to begin.
L-SAM Capabilities
The anti-missile system is designed to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles at altitudes of up to 60 km and ranges of up to 200 km. It also has air defense capabilities against targets such as aircraft.
The L-SAM includes two types of missiles:
- Interceptors for short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, capable of reaching speeds of up to 3,000 m/s (Mach 8.82).
- Air defense missiles for airborne targets, with speeds of up to 700 m/s.
The L-SAM battery is equipped with:
- A phased array radar station (S-band), capable of tracking up to 100 aircraft or 10 ballistic missiles simultaneously.
- Capability to engage 20 aircraft or 10 ballistic missiles at the same time.
- Ballistic missile detection range of up to 350 km.
The system is highly efficient and was designed as a more cost-effective alternative to the U.S. THAAD system, costing about half the price but offering similar capabilities.
L-SAM Battery Structure
Each battery consists of:
- A multifunctional radar.
- A control center.
- A command post.
- Two launchers equipped with anti-ballistic missiles.
- Two launchers equipped with air defense missiles.
Future of the L-SAM Program
After the successful development of the L-SAM Block 1, South Korea has already started work on the L-SAM Block 2. This new version will extend the interception range and altitude to up to 100 km, providing even stronger defense against long-range ballistic missiles.
This initiative strengthens South Korea’s stance in response to the growing threats on the Korean Peninsula and underscores its commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities.
Source and images: Ministry of Defense of South Korea, X @ROK_MND. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
