South Korea to develop M-SAM missile system similar to PAC-3

South Korea's Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has begun developing the design for the new M-SAM Block-III medium-range air defence missile.

The project cost is estimated at $624 million, Caliber.Az reports, citing South Korean media.

DAPA stated that the new mid-range surface-to-air missile (M-SAM) system will be capable of detecting and intercepting targets at longer distances and at higher altitudes than the previous version.

The administration anticipates the Block-III version of the M-SAM system to strengthen the military's defence capabilities, performing a role similar to the American PAC-3 missiles.

"We will develop the M-SAM Block-III system that satisfies both performance and price to ensure it contributes to strengthening our competitiveness in exports," said DAPA Vice Commissioner Kang Hwan-seok.

Developers plan to complete development by 2030.

The new complex will join a multi-layered defence system that also includes the South Korean Chongun-2 air defence missile systems, which can intercept targets at altitudes of up to 15 km and ranges of up to 40 km, and the long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM) anti-missiles, which strike targets at altitudes of 50–60 km.

By Vugar Khalilov