Page 27 - ADT NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 Online Magazine

year, Hanwha unveiled the prototype of the
multi-function radar (MFR) that is part of the
L-SAM system that South Korea plans to deploy
by 2026 as part of its multilayered, low-tier mis-
sile defence programme. LIG Nex1 is in charge
of the missile development of the system that
will have anti-ballistic and anti-aircraft missiles.

Major Deal
In January last year, South Korea’s indigenous
defence industry gained world-wide attention
when the country inked a US$3.5 billion deal
with the United Arab Emirates to export mid-
range surface-to-air missiles (M-SAM). While LIG
Nex1 is in charge of system integration, Hanwha
Systems will provide a multifunctional radar.
Hanwha Defence will develop the missile’s ver-
tical launcher as well as its ammunition resupply
vehicles. The delivery of the systems is expected
to be completed in 2027.

“There is a lot of interest in the system interna-
tionally,” says Choi. “Indonesia, for one, is very
interested in M-SAM. We are able to expand
our market space continuously because we
A Korean ‘Iron Dome’ can provide total solutions in the field of missile
defence.”
The company started development of the LAMD system in 2022
and plans to have it operational by the Republic of Korea (RoK) Another country that has expressed interest in
Armed Forces well before the end of the decade, said SeHoon M-SAM is Saudi Arabia, which is reportedly in
Choi, Manager, Precision Guided Munitions II Business (Air Force Air discussions with LIG Nex1 for a possible contract.
Defence). The LAMD, which is being co-developed in collabora- Earlier this year, LIG Nex1 displayed its (M-SAM
tion with the Agency for Defence Development (ADD), is based on II) system at IDEX 2023.
the Haegung Korean Surface-to-Air Anti-Missile (K-SAAM) system
developed for the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN). With appetite for South Korean arms on the rise
across regions, LIG Nex1 is intent on expanding
“The LAMD system is similar to Israel’s Iron Dome system,” said Choi. its global footprint. In February this year, the
“It is focused on neutralizing incoming artillery rockets from North South Korean company signed an agreement
Korea to defend the Seoul metropolitan area in the South. The system with Romania on cooperation in the sur-
consists of six missile launchers, a command post and a multifunc- face-to-air missile field. The memorandum of
tional radar. As many as 16 missiles are operated by one launcher.” understanding with ROMARM, Romania’s state-
run defence company, lays the groundwork for
The LAMD missile, which is 165 mm in diameter, is to be fitted with partnerships on local production, technology
an active radar seeker for terminal guidance and will be capable of transfer and joint development.
intercepting targets up to 7 kilometers away at a maximum altitude
of 5 kilometers. The proposed system, which is going through the R&D One of the company’s in-development systems
process, has immense export potential, says Choi. “Currently, the that is attracting a lot of attention is the Korean
only solution for short range air defence is the Iron Dome. I cannot Air Launched Cruise Missile (KALCM), a project
speak in detail, but our system will be better than the Iron Dome in that was launched earlier this year with the aim
almost every aspect or capability. We will also be able to provide it of starting production in 2029-2030. The devel-
cheaper than the Iron Dome.” opment of KALCM is led by ADD with LIG Nex 1
and Hanwha Aero as the industrial partners.
LIG Nex1 is also part of the team developing the country’s long-range According to reports, KALCM will have a mass
surface-to-air missile (L-SAM). The initiative, which is led by the ADD, at launch around 1,500 kg and a range upwards
also includes Hanwha Systems. The L-SAM, which is designed to of 500 km. The missile, powered by a turbojet, is
shoot down incoming missiles at altitudes of around 50-60 kilome- expected to fly at Mach 0.9. According to Choi,
ters, is expected to be an integral part of South Korea’s anti-missile KALCM will be deployed on the KF-21 Boramae
programme, which includes the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 when it enters service with the Republic of Korea
missile and a medium-range surface-to-air missile. In April last Air Force (ROKAF). The MoU between the com-
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