Hanwha Aerospace has signed a KRW 705 billion (US$482 million) contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for the production of the Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM) system, a core element of Korea’s layered air and missile defence.
Under this contract, Hanwha Aerospace will carry out mass production and delivery of L-SAM launchers and anti-ballistic missiles (ABM) to the Korean military through 2030. By adding a new high-altitude interception layer, L-SAM will give Korea additional opportunities to engage enemy ballistic missiles before existing systems such as M-SAM and Patriot are activated.
The contract will provide critical capability enhancements to the Republic of Korea Armed Forces as they respond to evolving ballistic missile and air-breathing threats.
The L-SAM incorporates advanced technologies including a divert and attitude control system (DACS) and a dual-pulse propulsion system. It is the first long-range missile defense system developed in Korea to apply these technologies, enabling accurate interception of ballistic missiles even at very high altitudes where the air is thin and normal aerodynamic control is not effective. This significantly improves the reliability and effectiveness of Korea’s air and missile defence.
This award follows a KRW 357.3 billion production contract signed last month between DAPA and Hanwha Systems for the L-SAM Multi-Function Radar (MFR). Serving as the “eyes” and primary sensor of the L-SAM system, the MFR detects and tracks incoming ballistic missiles and hostile aircraft at long ranges.
In parallel, South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD), together with industry partners including Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems, is developing L-SAM-II. Building on the current L-SAM architecture, L-SAM-II is designed to expand the defended air and missile engagement envelope by three to four times compared to existing systems, further reinforcing the country’s strategic deterrence and defence capabilities.
“This contract represents an important milestone in Hanwha Aerospace’s contribution to Korea’s air and missile defence,” 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 defence cooperation with global partner nations.”
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