- Hanwha Aerospace signed a $482 million contract with DAPA to mass-produce L-SAM launchers and anti-ballistic missiles through 2030.
- The L-SAM system adds a high-altitude interception layer using DACS and dual-pulse propulsion, enhancing South Korea’s ability to counter ballistic missile threats.
Hanwha Aerospace has secured a new long-term production contract for South Korea’s next-generation Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile system.
According to a press release from Hanwha Aerospace, the company signed a KRW 705.4 billion (approximately $482 million) agreement with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to begin mass production of L-SAM launchers and anti-ballistic missiles through 2030.
The aircraft- and missile-defense system, manufactured in partnership with South Korea’s defense industry, adds a new high-altitude intercept layer designed to engage ballistic missiles before current systems like M-SAM and Patriot are activated.
As noted by the company, the new system “will give Korea additional opportunities to engage enemy ballistic missiles before existing systems such as M-SAM and Patriot are activated.” The contract, Hanwha Aerospace says, will help strengthen the Republic of Korea Armed Forces as they respond to evolving ballistic and air-breathing threats.
The L-SAM system introduces several advanced technologies developed domestically. It is the first Korean missile interceptor to incorporate a divert and attitude control system (DACS) and dual-pulse propulsion—features that enable accurate maneuvering and targeting at very high altitudes where aerodynamic control is limited. Company officials say these technologies improve reliability and interception performance in the thin upper atmosphere, where ballistic missiles travel at high speeds.
In a statement, a Hanwha Aerospace spokesperson said, “This contract represents an important milestone in Hanwha Aerospace’s contribution to Korea’s air and missile defense. 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 defense cooperation with global partner nations.”
The new award follows a KRW 357.3 billion contract signed last month between DAPA and Hanwha Systems for the production of the L-SAM Multi-Function Radar (MFR), which serves as the “eyes” of the system. According to the company, the MFR detects and tracks hostile aircraft and incoming ballistic missiles at long ranges, enabling early cueing and coordinated engagement across the air-defense network.
South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) is developing the next phase of the system—L-SAM-II—together with Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems. The follow-on interceptor aims to expand Korea’s defended airspace by three to four times compared to the current architecture. According to program officials, L-SAM-II will further enhance the country’s strategic deterrence posture and provide improved coverage against advanced hypersonic and maneuvering threats.
The L-SAM program is a key element of South Korea’s layered defense approach, designed to create overlapping rings of protection against ballistic, cruise, and aircraft threats. Once fully fielded, L-SAM will serve as the upper-tier interceptor, complementing mid-tier systems and existing Patriot batteries.
Work under the new Hanwha Aerospace contract begins immediately, with deliveries phased through the end of the decade to align with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces’ modernization timeline.