A conceptual illustration of a South Korean low-altitude missile defense system (DAPA)
A conceptual illustration of a South Korean low-altitude missile defense system (DAPA)

South Korea has started development of a low-altitude missile defense system, akin to Israel’s "Iron Dome," to better counter long-range North Korean artillery threats.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration held a project kickoff meeting on Monday attended by military officials, representatives from the Agency for Defense Development -- a state-run defense think tank -- and prototype manufacturers, including LIG Nex1, Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems. According to DAPA, the ADD will lead the project.

The new ground-based missile defense system is designed to protect critical national and military facilities in the Seoul metropolitan area from North Korea’s long-range artillery.

DAPA stated that the system is being designed to engage a larger number of targets simultaneously compared to Israel’s Iron Dome system, which has been used to intercept short-range rockets during Israel's conflicts with Hamas.

According to DAPA, the ADD plans to leverage its expertise in systems integration, fire control and precision detection and tracking technologies developed during previous air defense missile system projects.

The project, aiming for completion by 2028, is expected to cost approximately 479.8 billion won ($330 million).

“The launch of this project signifies our capability to independently secure a robust air defense system to protect critical facilities and the lives of our citizens from North Korea’s long-range artillery threats,” a DAPA official said.

“We are also exploring measures to expedite the system’s deployment and will closely cooperate with the ADD, the military and prototype manufacturers to ensure its success.”

The newly developed surface-to-air defense system will primarily target threats at altitudes of up to 12 kilometers, defending against North Korea’s long-range artillery shells, which typically travel at altitudes below 20 kilometers.

Currently, the military independently operates a comprehensive surface-to-air missile defense system: the Shingung and Cheongung systems for altitudes of up to 12 kilometers; the Patriot, M-SAM-II and M-SAM-I systems for the altitude range of 12 to 40 kilometers; and the L-SAM-I for 40 to 80 kilometers.

The L-SAM-II, capable of countering threats above 80 kilometers, is currently under development.