South Korea to advance development of indigenous long-range SAM system
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA)
announced on 4 December that it has decided to advance the development of an indigenous long-range surface-to air missile (SAM) system amid concerns about North Korea’s growing ballistic missile capabilities.
Referred to as the L-SAM, the air-defence system
is expected to be capable of defending against enemy aircraft and ballistic missiles, said the DAPA, adding that development work contracts are set to be signed with local companies this month.
The development of the L-SAM,
which comes after years of research into the project, is expected to cost KRW970 billion (USD814.3 million) and be completed by 2024, added the DAPA without providing further details.
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