A new South Korean anti-ballistic missile system has performed its first successful intercept this month, media reported on Tuesday, the country’s latest step to boost its defenses against North Korean missiles.
The L-SAM interceptor destroyed a target for the first time in a test, according to Dong-a Ilbo newspaper and Yonhap news agency, which cited unnamed government and military sources without specifying the date. The test also involved a version of the L-SAM designed to shoot down aircraft.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry, Defense Acquisition Program Administration and Defense Development Agency, which rarely disclose weapons tests, declined to confirm the report.
North Korea has tested a record number of missiles this year, including an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Friday. South Korea, the United States and Japan are all looking to improve missile defense systems.
The L-SAM is a “leading indigenous weapons system” under development to defend against missiles and other aerial threats, according to the ADD.
The missile was first tested successfully – which did not involve hitting a target – in February.
It is designed to be part of a “layered defense network” that already includes US-made Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles and locally produced Cheongung II KM-SAM medium-range weapons capable of intercepting targets at different altitudes and ranges.
Plans call for L-SAM to target missiles at altitudes of 50 to 60 kilometers and is expected to become operational in 2026.
South Korea is also home to US military THAAD anti-missile batteries, and as a candidate, President Yoon Suk-yeol has called for more of these batteries. However, since then, he has focused on South Korean systems to build up defenses.
Source: CNN Brasil
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