South Korea Begins Development of L-SAM-II Missile Defense System to Tackle High-Altitude Ballistic Threats

South Korea has officially launched the development of its next-generation missile defense system, known as L-SAM-II, which aims to strengthen the country’s ability to intercept advanced ballistic missiles at much higher altitudes than existing systems. On June 10, 2025, Hanwha Aerospace signed a major contract worth 198.6 billion won (about $145.5 million) with South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) to spearhead this ambitious program.

The L-SAM-II will build upon the successful foundation of the earlier L-SAM system, which is currently preparing for mass production and deployment. The original L-SAM was designed to engage missiles at altitudes of 40 to 60 kilometers with a maximum range of around 150 kilometers. However, with the evolution of ballistic missile technology — featuring faster speeds, unpredictable flight paths, and sophisticated countermeasures — South Korea recognized the need for a more capable upper-tier defense system.

The L-SAM-II is engineered to intercept ballistic missiles at altitudes reaching up to 180 kilometers, placing it in the same category as the U.S. THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system. This higher operational ceiling offers critical advantages, allowing South Korea to detect and engage missiles earlier in their trajectory, providing additional opportunities for interception and expanding protection over a broader area. In fact, the coverage of L-SAM-II is expected to be three to four times greater than the original L-SAM system, safeguarding vital infrastructure and densely populated regions.

Advanced Technology at Its Core

Central to the L-SAM-II’s design are two highly advanced technologies:

1. Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS):
   This system uses ten small rocket thrusters positioned around the interceptor missile, allowing it to make precise adjustments to its flight path at extremely high altitudes where aerodynamic control surfaces become ineffective. The DACS ensures that the interceptor can achieve a direct collision, or “hit-to-kill”, with incoming ballistic missiles even in the thin upper atmosphere.

2. High-Performance Propulsion System:
   To reach THAAD-like altitudes and intercept threats traveling at high speeds, the L-SAM-II requires a highly efficient propulsion system capable of rapid acceleration and long-distance flight. The system must also manage shorter response times due to the limited window for intercepting high-altitude ballistic missiles.

Part of South Korea’s Multi-Layered Defense Network

The L-SAM-II forms the top layer of South Korea’s Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) strategy. This multi-layered setup involves integrating various missile defense systems that operate at different altitudes and ranges. The structure includes:

• Lower and Medium-Tier Systems:
  Such as KM-SAM (Cheongung) and Patriot PAC-3 for intercepting lower-altitude threats.

• Upper-Tier Systems:
  L-SAM-II will operate alongside the U.S.-deployed THAAD batteries stationed in South Korea, creating overlapping coverage and improving the chances of successfully intercepting any incoming missile.

This layered configuration is designed to ensure that if one system fails to neutralize a threat, another system will have an opportunity to engage it — offering multiple lines of defense against increasingly complex ballistic missile threats.

Cutting-Edge Components and Capabilities

The L-SAM-II system will feature:

• State-of-the-art radar systems capable of detecting, tracking, and identifying incoming ballistic missiles at extreme altitudes and ranges.

• Mobile launch platforms for flexible deployment, enhancing the survivability of the system in hostile environments.

• An advanced command and control network that processes incoming data and makes rapid interception decisions within tight timeframes.

The program will involve rigorous live-fire tests and operational trials through 2028, verifying the system’s capability to intercept realistic targets and perform under combat conditions.

A Step Towards Global Defense Markets

As ballistic missile threats continue to spread globally, there’s growing international demand for multi-layered air and missile defense systems. Hanwha Aerospace views the L-SAM-II program not only as a vital upgrade to South Korea’s own defense posture but also as a significant opportunity to enter the global missile defense market. The earlier L-SAM program has already drawn interest from foreign buyers due to its balance of high performance and cost-effectiveness.

By consolidating critical missile defense technologies through the L-SAM-II program, South Korea aims to enhance its defense self-reliance while also establishing itself as a competitive exporter of sophisticated missile defense solutions.

 the L-SAM-II represents a major leap forward in South Korea’s missile defense capability. Once completed, it will provide comprehensive, layered protection against modern ballistic missile threats and position South Korea as a key player in the global missile defense industry.