South Korea successfully test-fires L-SAM missile interceptor

According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea’s military on February 23 conducted a successful test-firing of a long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM) under development, in an apparent move to counter North Korea’s evolving missile threats.

As reported by Yonhap, the state-run South Korean Agency for Defense Development oversaw the launch at a testing site in Taean, 150 kilometers southwest of Seoul, following a series of North Korean missile launches last month, including hypersonic and intermediate-range missiles. It reportedly aimed at seeing if the L-SAM interceptor can fly on an intended trajectory and fall accurately on a preset spot. The L-SAM is designed to shoot down incoming missiles at altitudes of around 50-60 kilometers.

The South Korean military is seeking to deploy the L-SAM by 2026 as part of the country’s multilayered, low-tier missile defense program. If deployed, the L-SAM interceptor would form a key part of South Korea’s anti-missile program, which includes Raytheon’s Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile and a medium-range surface-to-air missile.