Under the agreement, Hanwha Aerospace will produce and deliver L-SAM launchers and anti ballistic missiles to the Korean military through 2030. The new system adds a high altitude interception layer that allows engagements of enemy ballistic missiles before existing systems such as M-SAM and Patriot come into play.
Officials said the contract will strengthen the Republic of Korea Armed Forces as they face evolving ballistic and air breathing threats. The L-SAM features a divert and attitude control system and a dual pulse propulsion system, making it the first Korean developed long range missile defence asset to use these technologies.
These features support accurate interception at very high altitudes where thin air limits normal aerodynamic control. Hanwha Aerospace said this will raise the reliability and overall performance of South Korea’s air and missile defence posture.
Last month, DAPA awarded Hanwha Systems a KRW 357.3 billion production contract for the L-SAM Multi Function Radar. The radar acts as the system’s primary sensor and is responsible for detecting and tracking ballistic missiles and hostile aircraft at long ranges.
In parallel, the Agency for Defense Development and industry partners including Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems are developing L-SAM II. This follow on system is intended to expand the engagement envelope by three to four times compared with current capabilities and reinforce national deterrence.
“This contract represents an important milestone in Hanwha Aerospace’s contribution to Korea’s air and missile defense,” said a Hanwha Aerospace spokesperson. “Through the stable mass production of L-SAM, we will help strengthen the security of the Republic of Korea. At the same time, the technologies and experience accumulated through this program will support deeper, higher-value defense cooperation with global partner nations.”
