M-SAM Medium Surface to Air Missile
South Korea was expected to hasten the development of a missile system that is capable of intercepting incoming missiles in the aftermath of North Korea's successful test launch of a medium range missile. The Defense Ministry initiated a program to develop a middle range surface-to-air missile, codenamed, ``M-SAM,'' in 1998. The ministry aimed to enable the new missile to intercept small targets like missiles.
The radar will be developed by Lucky Goldstar, and the combat data system will be jointly created by Lucky Goldstar and Ssangyong. The missile and launcher will be developed by Samsung. The expected date of service is 2010, same date when HAWK systems will be withdrawn from service.
South Korea was trying to enlist the technological help of Russia in the development of the M-SAM in such areas as electronic guidance. The M-SAM program is aimed at developing a missile which has a striking range of 30 to 60 km, in order to replace the existing Hawk missiles that form the backbone of Korea's anti-aircraft system along with its Nikes, which have a range of 150 km.
Following the Taepo-dong test firing, lawmakers demanded the beefing up of the nation's anti-missile attack capabilities when the National Assembly's defense committee was called into session in the aftermath of the North's missile test launch. Initial plans called for the investment of a total of 200 to 300 billion won in the development of the M-SAM by 2008.
To counter the growing threat posed by North Korean ballistic missile, the missile to be developed will be able to intercept a missile, a function its predecessor doesn't have. The model ROK was trying to emulate in the M-SAM development was Russia's S-300 missile. The final product would be like the S-300 but shorter in range. Korea and Russia have established a technology transfer agreement in the military field.
