South Korea greenlights major US missile buy

South Korea has formally approved a long-term plan to acquire US-made Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) ship-based interceptor missiles by 2034, in a move aimed at strengthening its missile defence capabilities.

The decision was announced on Friday, May 22, by the Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), following approval from the Defence Project Promotion Committee.

The programme, valued at 530 billion won (approximately $351.5 million), provides for the procurement of long-range SM-6 missiles and related equipment to enhance the country’s air and missile defence systems.

The SM-6 is a naval interceptor capable of targeting aerial threats at distances of up to 460 kilometres and altitudes of up to 36 kilometres, using an advanced onboard guidance system.

South Korea’s military plans to deploy the missiles on Aegis-class destroyers, including newly built vessels, while also upgrading existing ships.

According to DAPA, the acquisition will improve the country’s ability to defend against ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as other airborne threats.

The move follows earlier approval by the United States of a potential sale of up to 38 SM-6 missiles to South Korea, estimated at around $650 million. The newly approved plan clarifies the timeline and scale of procurement through 2034.

In addition, authorities approved a separate project to develop a new military communications satellite worth approximately 1.27 trillion won, scheduled for completion by 2032.

By Tamilla Hasanova