Korean-Style Missile Defense Network 'One Layer Deeper' [Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club]

L-SAM for Terminal Phase Defense... Mass Production to Start Next Year
Development of Interceptor System with Higher Interception Altitude Underway

A long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM) capable of intercepting enemy ballistic missiles at higher altitudes has been developed entirely with domestic technology.

The Agency for Defense Development held a ceremony on the 29th at its Daejeon headquarters to commemorate the completion of the L-SAM development, presided over by Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun.

Since 2015, 1.2 trillion won has been invested in the L-SAM, which corresponds to the "upper-layer defense system for the terminal phase of ballistic missiles." It is a weapon system that realizes the multi-layered missile defense capability targeted by the military. Ballistic missiles go through the boost phase after launch, the midcourse phase flying at high altitude in outer space, and the terminal phase descending toward the target by re-entering the atmosphere below an altitude of 100 km. The terminal phase is generally divided into upper and lower layers based on an altitude of 40 km.

L-SAM is responsible for upper-layer terminal phase defense

The currently deployed American-made Patriot (PAC-3) and domestically produced Cheongung-II (M-SAM-II) are weapons that defend against ballistic missiles in the lower layer of the terminal phase. The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system deployed in Seongju, Gyeongbuk, as its name suggests, is a system that blocks the upper layer of the terminal phase, but it is a U.S. military asset operated by the United States Forces Korea. THAAD intercepts at a higher altitude than L-SAM.

L-SAM intercepts ballistic missiles at higher altitudes than Patriot and Cheongung-II, expanding the missile defense coverage of our military. In other words, missile defense can be conducted across two layers, with L-SAM initiating interception in the upper layer first, and if it fails, Cheongung-II attempts a second interception in the lower layer. L-SAM incorporates cutting-edge interception technologies developed domestically, which only a few countries such as the U.S. and Israel possess.

Direct hit interception method increases interception rate

In particular, it adopts a hit-to-kill interception method that directly strikes enemy missiles using kinetic energy. Compared to the explosive fragmentation method, which intercepts by detonating fragments around the target, this method offers superior accuracy and destructive power but is technically more challenging. To achieve hit-to-kill, precise guidance is required, which is made possible by domestically developed devices such as the position and attitude control system (DACS) and the infrared imaging seeker (IIR) that detects and tracks minute heat sources of the target. Other achievements from the L-SAM development include the forward cover that quickly separates just before interception to secure the IIR’s field of view, and the dual-pulse propulsion engine that maximizes kinetic energy at the moment of interception to enhance hit-to-kill effectiveness.

Responds according to types such as aircraft and ballistic missiles

L-SAM functions as part of the Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system. When enemy missiles or aircraft threats are detected by ballistic missile early warning radars, information is relayed from the KAMD Operations Center (KAMDOC) and the Missile Command and Control Center (MCRC), which oversee missile defense operations, to the L-SAM battery. The L-SAM battery consists of an operations control center, a fire control center that executes engagements under the control center’s command, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, launchers, and guided missiles. The guided missiles are two-stage and include versions for anti-aircraft and ballistic missile targets, allowing response according to the type of aerial threat.

The military plans to begin mass production of L-SAM next year and deploy it in the field around the mid to late 2020s. Since it was developed with indigenous technology, prospects for export are also positive. Following L-SAM, development is underway for L-SAM-II, which will have a higher interception altitude and a defense range 3 to 4 times wider than L-SAM. L-SAM-II will be capable of intercepting not only conventional ballistic missiles but also missiles gliding at altitudes lower than ballistic trajectories. Other systems strengthening KAMD are also being developed, including M-SAM-III, which enhances the interception performance and simultaneous engagement capability of Cheongung-II, and the Long-range Artillery Missile Defense (LAMD) system responsible for the lowest layer of KAMD.