South Korea tested the L-SAM ballistic missile defense system to intercept ballistic missiles at altitudes up to 60 kilometers

The Republic of Korea has tested a missile defense system amid the missile activity of its northern neighbor.

Here's What We Know

North Korea launches ballistic missiles with enviable regularity, including intercontinental missiles that usually fly toward Japan. Against this backdrop, South Korea's Defense Development Agency has successfully completed a test of the L-SAM missile defense system.

The system uses a long-range air-to-ground interceptor missile. It is designed to intercept enemy ballistic missiles that fly at an altitude of 50-60 kilometers. The Defense Ministry did not disclose the date of the tests, but it is known that a version of the interceptor designed to destroy aircraft was also tested.

L-SAM will be a component of South Korea's layered defense network. The country's overall missile defense system will include Patriot (PAC 3) surface-to-air missile systems, THAAD and M-SAM medium-range interceptors.

Development of the L-SAM missile will last until 2024, and serial production is scheduled to start in 2026. If all goes according to plan, the system will be deployed in 2027.

Source: Yonhap