South Korea’s Hanwha Systems, a subsidiary of defence prime Hanwha Aerospace, announced on 27 May that it has been awarded a US$40 million contract by the government-run Agency for Defense Development (ADD) to develop a multifunction radar (MFR) for the Republic of Korea (RoK) Armed Forces’ future long-range surface-to-air missile II (L-SAM II) air defence system.
The company noted that the L-SAM-II system – also known as the ‘K-THAAD’ – will be capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at higher altitudes and longer ranges than its precursor L-SAM, which was completed in 2024. It also claimed that L-SAM II will offer up to four times greater coverage thanks to its advanced radar technology, improved command-and-control systems, and upgraded interceptor missiles, and will form another critical layer to South Korea’s multi-tiered missile defence network.
“The radar is the core of any air defence system,” said Hyuk Park, Head of Hanwha Systems’ Defense Electronics Division. “We are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to meet the needs of today’s complex battlefield.”
The L-SAM II program was formally launched by the Defense Acquisition and Program Administration (DAPA) earlier in January. DAPA said in a statement that a US$389.8 million investment will be earmarked for the L-SAM II development through 2028, and will also involve the ADD and about 19 companies.
The agency noted that L-SAM II will be capable of intercepting missiles at a higher altitude and at a longer range than the original L-SAM system. Development of the L-SAM was completed in mid-2024, with serial production expected to commence this year. The L-SAM is designed to intercept ballistic missiles out to 150 kilometres away and at altitudes between 40 and 100 kilometres. The system has been under development by ADD and LIG Nex1 since 2019.
An L-SAM battery comprises a multifunction radar, a command-and-control (C2) centre; a combat control station, and four truck-mounted launchers, two of which are equipped with anti-aircraft and the other two with anti-ballistic missiles.
DAPA earlier announced in April 2023 that it approved funding worth US$1.86 billion to develop L-SAM II from 2024 to 2035.
This would also entail the research and development of a gliding-stage interceptor missile aimed at countering some of North Korea’s latest hypersonic weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
by Jr Ng
