L-SAM

Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile — South Korea's indigenous upper-tier ballistic missile defence system designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles at altitudes of 50-60 km during the terminal descent phase. The L-SAM is the highest layer of Korea's multi-tiered Korean Air and Missile Defence (KAMD) system, intended to provide a THAAD-equivalent capability using domestically developed technology. Features a two-stage solid-fuel interceptor with hit-to-kill kinetic warhead and active radar seeker for terminal guidance. The associated multifunction phased array radar provides long-range search, track, and fire control. Development by LIG Nex1 and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) has reached the advanced testing phase with multiple successful intercept tests. L-SAM is expected to enter service in the mid-to-late 2020s, significantly reducing South Korea's dependence on US-provided missile defense systems.