South Korea Starts Development of Intermediate-Range Surface-to-Air Guided Missile System

Key Takeaways

The South Korean military is developing the intermediate-range surface-to-air guided weapon Cheongung-3 to enhance its missile defense system.
The project aims for completion by 2030, with an investment of approximately 868.8 billion won.
Cheongung-3 will improve interception capabilities and contribute to the export potential of the South Korean defense industry.

Advancements in Missile Defense

The South Korean military is set to develop an advanced missile defense component, the Cheongung-3, which will serve as an intermediate-range surface-to-air guided weapon. On September 19, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) convened a meeting with various defense entities at the Daejeon Defense Science Research Institute to discuss the project’s progress.

DAPA has earmarked around 868.8 billion won for the Cheongung-3 development, with an expected completion target of 2030. This new system is designed to significantly enhance missile interception capabilities, achieving an operational altitude range from 20 to 40 kilometers, which is double that of its predecessor, the Cheongung-2. Additionally, improvements have been made in detection range and the ability to engage multiple threats simultaneously.

DAPA has asserted that the Cheongung-3 will match the performance of U.S. Patriot PAC-3 systems, thereby solidifying the lower-tier defense mechanisms within South Korea’s missile defense architecture. This multi-layered defense framework will incorporate the Cheongung-2 and Long-range Surface-to-Air Guided Weapons (L-SAM) 1 and 2 systems, reinforcing the overall effectiveness of South Korea’s military capabilities.

There are optimistic forecasts regarding the potential electrification of Cheongung-3, which could further enhance the export prospects for South Korean defense products. Kang Hwan-seok, DAPA’s deputy director, affirmed the commitment to developing a weapon system that balances both performance and cost, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of South Korea’s defense exports.

Through these innovations, the Cheongung-3 is expected to play a pivotal role in not only bolstering national security but also advancing South Korea’s standing in the global defense market.

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