South Korea unveils radar prototype of L-SAM interception system

SEOUL, 10th April, 2022 (WAM) — Hanwha Systems, a South Korean defense firm, has unveiled a radar prototype for the long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM) interception system under development, in a sign of progress in the country’s missile defense technology, reported Yonhap news agency.

The company revealed to reporters the prototype of the multi-function radar (MFR) at its research center in Yongin, some 40 kilometers south of Seoul.

The radar is a core component of the L-SAM system the country seeks to deploy by 2026 as part of its multilayered, low-tier missile defense programme. The L-SAM is designed to shoot down incoming missiles at altitudes of around 50-60 kilometers.

“From the perspective of a technology developer, the domestic foundation for the development of an interception system equivalent to the THAAD level has been sufficiently established,” one researcher told reporters.

The MFR radar, referred to as the “eyes” of the system, is capable of rotating 150 degrees, and responding to “hundreds” of aircraft and “tens” of ballistic missiles at the same time, an official from Hanwha told reporters.

Once the development is completed, the L-SAM interceptor will form a key part of South Korea’s anti-missile programme, including the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile and a medium-range surface-to-air missile, named the Cheongung II.

South Korea is also pushing to establish an interception system to counter North Korea’s long-range artillery threats.

Under a project led by the ADD, the country seeks to develop the interception system, called LAMD (low-altitude missile defense), by 2029 and deploy it in the military by 2035, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.