Defense Mirror
Hanwha Aerospace has signed a 198.6 billion won (approximately $144 million) contract with South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) to develop a prototype for the L-SAM-II high-altitude surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, the company announced Tuesday.
The L-SAM-II is designed to intercept ballistic missiles at altitudes above the stratosphere. The system aims to cover a missile interception altitude range between 10 km and 50 km—comparable to the U.S. THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system.
The new system follows the previous L-SAM program and is projected to expand South Korea’s missile defense coverage by three to four times. According to Hanwha Aerospace, the development will include full system integration, technology verification, and a prototype launcher, with completion targeted by 2028.
Key to the L-SAM-II’s capabilities are two critical technologies: a directional control system (DACS) and a high-powered propulsion system. The DACS, equipped with 10 thrust control valves, enables the missile’s kill vehicle to accurately maneuver and intercept incoming ballistic threats. This precision control technology is currently held by only a handful of countries, including South Korea and the United States.
