The South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced on Tuesday that it has held a kick-off meeting at the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) in Daejeon to develop the L-SAM-II (high-altitude interceptor missile) system.
The meeting, led by DAPA, brought together stakeholders, including military representatives, ADD personnel, and the system’s development contractors, to share the development schedule, target costs, and risk management plans for the L-SAM-II program. Additionally, the participants reviewed the preparatory measures to ensure the system exceeded its performance goals within the designated timeframe.
L-SAM-II, an upgrade to the existing L-SAM system, is designed to intercept North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missiles at higher altitudes. It is a key component of South Korea’s missile defense system and is being developed under the leadership of ADD. DAPA plans to invest approximately $4.3 billion to complete the system’s development by 2028, involving 19 domestic companies.
Successful Live-Fire Interception Test of L-SAM! Long-range surface-to-air missile system independently developed with domestic technology. / Yoo Yong Won TV
DAPA further stated that once the L-SAM-II system is fully developed and operational, it will enhance interception rates by providing a second engagement opportunity after evaluating the first engagement against North Korean nuclear weapons and missiles at upper altitudes. The extended range of L-SAM-II is expected to expand its defensive coverage by approximately three to four times compared to its predecessor.
Bang Guk Cheol, Director of DAPA’s Guided Weapon Systems Division, stated, “We will do our utmost to develop a weapon system that meets military requirements on schedule, ensuring the safety and security of our citizens and their property against enemy threats.”
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