South Korea displays L-SAM at Seoul ADEX for first time
South Korea exhibited the L-SAM long-range air defence system at Seoul ADEX 2023. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
Worried by the proliferation of new North Korean missile types, South Korea is going all out to improve its Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system.
Intent on showing its military-industrial prowess to the world, South Korea displayed its L-SAM long-range air defence missile system for the first time at Seoul ADEX 2023.
The L-SAM, essentially a ‘Korean THAAD’, is carried by a three-axle trailer with six missile tubes that are erected vertically for launch. The launcher unit is towed by a Kia Motors 6x6 tractor.
The L-SAM programme commenced in 2019 with the aim of forming the upper level of South Korea’s multi-layered missile defence network in response to the threat of Kim Jong-un’s multiple missile programmes.
Development is slated to be completed in
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Oshkosh to reoffer its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle as US Navy issues an RfI]()
Oshkosh to reoffer its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle as US Navy issues an RfI
Oshkosh Defense is positioning for a potential return to the JLTV programme after losing out to AM General in 2023, as the US Navy is considering options for 7,500 vehicles.
-
![Latvian drone interceptor units to enter service “within weeks”]()
Latvian drone interceptor units to enter service “within weeks”
Latvia is one of the countries at the forefront of developing a counter uncrewed aerial system capability, drawing on its own industry to meet a geographical and geo-political circumstance that has seen drone incursions rise.
-
![British Army turns to local option for small robot trials]()
British Army turns to local option for small robot trials
The UK Government has ordered XRC’s small Rhino UGV for trials just weeks after placing a contract for ARX Robotics Gereon tracked UGV which will also be manufactured in the UK. The latest move is another step in creating a force of 40% uncrewed systems.
-
![SOF Week 2026: The Gear Keeping Warfighters Ready in Extreme Climates (Video)]()
SOF Week 2026: The Gear Keeping Warfighters Ready in Extreme Climates (Video)
At SOF Week 2026, Pro-Shot Defense discusses the maintenance technologies and weapon support tools designed to keep special operations forces mission ready in the world’s harshest environments.
