Republic of Korea invests $1.17bn to develop KTSSM-II missile to destroy North Korea's Hwasong missiles and multiple rocket launchers

South Korea wants to develop its own tactical missile. The Defense Advanced Projects Agency (DAPA) will allocate $1.17 billion for the project, called Tactical Ground-Based Guided Weapon-II.

Here's What We Know

The Republic of Korea will develop an improved version of the KTSSM surface-to-surface missile. It will be called KTSSM-II. The development is expected to be completed by 2032.

The DAPA wants to create a long-range missile with a vehicle launch capability. The KTSSM II will allow South Korea to strike major enemy military targets early in a conflict.

So far, the agency has not determined which company will develop the missile. A DAPA spokesman said a list of defense contractors to develop prototypes would be drawn up later.

Technical specifications of the missile have not been specified yet. According to preliminary data, the main potential targets for KTSSM-II will be North Korean military facilities that host 300 mm multiple rocket launchers and Hwasong-5/-6/-9 missiles.

Source: Janes