[Exclusive] First Test of Laser Anti-Air Weapon Today... Interceptor Missile Also Launched

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] On the 23rd, our military will conduct a test launch of a new laser air defense weapon capable of intercepting North Korea's ballistic missiles. This is the first time the air defense weapon, known as the 'Korean-style Star Wars technology,' will be directly test-fired, and the long-range surface-to-air missile (LSAM) and long-range artillery interception system (LAMD) will also be showcased.

On this day, a government official stated, "At the Anheung Test Site of the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), high-ranking government officials including Suh Hoon, Director of the National Security Office, and Suh Wook, Minister of National Defense, will attend. The laser air defense weapon will be test-fired in the morning, followed by LSAM and LAMD in the afternoon."

The Agency for Defense Development, together with Hanwha, began developing the 'Laser Air Defense Weapon Block-1' in 2019, aiming to equip the Army's air defense units by 2024. It is planned to be operated as a fixed system and will be used for air defense operations against drones and unmanned aerial vehicles protecting critical facilities.

Because the laser air defense weapon fires at the speed of light, it is virtually impossible to evade, and unlike bullets or shells that travel in a parabolic trajectory, it travels straight, making it highly accurate. It is also very cost-effective. Depending on the output, the cost per laser shot is only about 1,000 to 2,000 won.

The Laser Air Defense Weapon Block-1, with an output of 20 kilowatts, can intercept quadcopters or fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles flying within 3 km. Meanwhile, the 'Laser Air Defense Weapon Block-2,' which will be developed as a mobile laser weapon before 2030, will increase the output to 30 kilowatts.

In addition, the LSAM, responsible for the upper terminal phase of the Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system, and the LAMD, known as the 'Korean Iron Dome' project, will also be test-fired. The LAMD will launch an improved version of the Haegung missile to assess development potential. LAMD can intercept North Korea's rocket artillery at low altitudes. The government plans to enter the full development phase after issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) this year.