Quick Facts

Overview

The KM-SAM is the first indigenously designed medium-range surface-to-air missile. It is intended to replace the MIM-23 Hawk as South Korea’s main surface-to air weapon.[i] It is capable of intercepting six targets simultaneously and is designed to ensure successful interception. The KM-SAM is equipped with anti-electronic warfare capabilities to prevent jamming and is difficult to detect due to its interceptor’s minimal flare. It is also capable of quick directional changes.[ii]

Strategic Implications

The KM-SAM provides the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) armed forces with a modern surface-to-air weapon to replace the antiquated MIM-23 Hawk. The improved surface-to-air capability is in both quality and quantity. This system makes use of the latest technology to raise its odds of success and also increases the number of targets the ROK can intercept with one launch vehicle from one to six.[iii]

Timeline

November 2017: First live-fire exercise conducted[iv]

2015/2016: Production and deployment of KM-SAM systems[v]

2011: KM-SAM developed

Recent News

References

[i] http://www.armyrecognition.com/adex_2017_online_show_daily_news/the_km-sam_is_show_publicly_for_the_1st_time_at_adex_2017.html

[ii] http://www.armyrecognition.com/adex_2017_online_show_daily_news/the_km-sam_is_show_publicly_for_the_1st_time_at_adex_2017.html

[iii] http://www.armyrecognition.com/adex_2017_online_show_daily_news/the_km-sam_is_show_publicly_for_the_1st_time_at_adex_2017.html

[iv]http://www.armyrecognition.com/november_2017_global_defense_security_news_industry/south_korea_first_live_fire_exercise_with_km-sam_cheongung_missile_system.html

[v] http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3007277&cloc=etc%7Cjad%7Cgooglenews