Korean arms agency signs $249mn defense system deal with LIG Nex1

[Source: Defense Acquisition Program Administration]

South Korea’s defense procurement agency announced Friday that it signed a 330.6 billion won ($249 million) deal with LIG Nex1 Co. to develop a new naval surface-to-air missile system.

According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the naval surface-to-air missile-II to be developed under the deal is a new long-range air defense weapon that will be installed on the Korean Destroyer Next Generation (KDDX) to protect ships from potential threats from North Korean aircraft and cruise missiles.

The KDDX is a locally developed combat system equipped with locally produced guided weapons.

The naval surface-to-air missile-II is expected to demonstrate an innovative weapon system boasting precision guidance and search capabilities, with a targeted domestication rate exceeding 90 percent.

Replacing the U.S. Standard Missile 2 currently in operation, the new surface-to-air missile is dubbed as type II due to its close operational objectives and concept to the SM-2 missile.

Based on extensive expertise in precision guided weapons, LIG Nex1 will serve as the prime contractor for the new surface-to-air missile system development project through 2030.

The defense authority emphasized that the military‘s acquisition of an upgraded air defense system against North Korean air threats will strengthen the independent capabilities of local defense enterprises in the research and development of precision-guided weapons.