South Korea is taking a major step in strengthening its missile defence system. On 26 May, Hanwha Systems, one of the country’s leading defence companies, signed a contract with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) to develop a new Multi-Function Radar (MFR) for the L-SAM-II missile defence system. This contract is worth about USD 40 million (KRW 54.7 billion) and marks an important milestone for South Korea’s national security.
What Is the L-SAM-II?
The L-SAM-II, often called South Korea’s K-THAAD, is the advanced version of the original Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM) system. The original L-SAM was completed in 2024, designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles in mid-air before they could reach their target.
The L-SAM-II is being developed as a next-generation defence shield that will offer three to four times greater coverage than its predecessor. It’s part of South Korea’s multi-layered missile defence strategy, designed to protect the country from growing missile threats in the region.
The Role of the New Multi-Function Radar (MFR)
At the heart of this upgraded system is the new Multi-Function Radar, which will act as the “eyes” of the L-SAM-II. This advanced radar will:
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Detect and track multiple long-range targets in real time
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Identify whether targets are friend or foe
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Guide interceptor missiles to their targets
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Distinguish between missiles, friendly aircraft, and debris
Using high-precision algorithms, the radar is specially optimised for upper-tier interceptions, meaning it can track and intercept missiles at higher altitudes and longer ranges than older systems.
Key Specifications (Expected)
While full technical specifications have not yet been officially disclosed, based on the nature of this next-gen system and Hanwha Systems' radar expertise, we can expect:
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Extended detection and tracking range: Capable of identifying targets at very long distances, beyond what the current L-SAM system can cover.
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High target discrimination: Able to tell the difference between real threats, friendly units, and non-threatening objects like debris.
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Real-time multi-target tracking: Tracking and engaging multiple ballistic missile threats at once.
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Upper-tier interception capability: Estimated interception altitudes could range around 100-150 km, surpassing the original L-SAM’s performance.
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Advanced friend-or-foe identification technology
This makes it a crucial component in defending against long-range ballistic missiles and high-altitude threats, particularly as tensions in the region continue to grow.
Hanwha Systems’ Experience and Future Plans
Hanwha Systems isn’t new to radar technology. The company has a solid track record, having developed Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars for the KF-21 fighter jet and Multi-Function Radars for Korean Destroyers (KDDX) and FFX Batch-III frigates.
Looking ahead, Hanwha Systems also plans to enter the global Early Warning Radar (EWR) market, with a future radar system expected to detect missile threats from as far as 2,000 to 3,000 kilometres away. This system will be a key part of future strategic air defence networks, providing early alerts and improved response times to potential missile attacks.
Conclusion
The development of this advanced Multi-Function Radar for the L-SAM-II system represents a major leap in South Korea’s missile defence capabilities. With enhanced tracking, better interception abilities, and expanded coverage, the L-SAM-II will play a vital role in protecting the nation against modern missile threats. Hanwha Systems’ involvement ensures that the radar technology will be state-of-the-art, positioning South Korea as a serious player in global missile defence.
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