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 The expected date of service is 2010, same date when HAWK systems will be withdrawn from service.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.
In 1997 members of the US Congress voiced deep concern over the possibility that South Korea may procure Russian S300 systems for air defense as opposed to the U.S. Patriot system. They argued that the Patriot possessed superior radar and engagement capabilities and requires less manpower to operate and maintain. Most importantly, acquisition of the Patriot ensures interoperability with other assets assigned to U.S. Forces, Korea enhancing the overall safety and combat effectiveness of U.S. and allied forces. Considering the almost half century relationship between our two countries, and the closeness with which our troops train together, it would be most unfortunate for South Korean allies to procure a non-U.S. air defense system.
In May 2006 it was reported that the country?s weapons acquisition agency announced that it will start a W625 billion project to develop middle-range surface-to-air missiles, code-named "M-SAM," in June 2006. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) approved the project, which will enter service in 2010, a spokesman of the agency said. The missile will be co-developed by about 15 Korean defense firms and Russia which will give technological help in such areas as electronic guidance, he said. The M-SAM program, initiated in 1998, is aimed at developing a missile capable of hitting a target of 30 to 60 kilometers away, replacing aging Hwak missiles. Hawk missiles with a striking range of 150 kilometers, have been the backbone of South Korea?s anti-aircraft system. To counter the growing threat posed by North Korean ballistic missile, the Air Force also plans to buy 48 advanced Patriot missile interceptors to replace the existing Nike Hercules missiles. In 1998, North Korea successfully test-fired its Taepodong-I missile, which flew over Japan and landed in the Pacific.
South Korea gave the green light for the development of the Cheolmae II surface-to-air missile (SAM). This project could cost KRW498.5 billion (USD1=KRW944) through 2011. This system will be capable of engaging aircraft and missiles. The South Korean Ministry of National Defense also plans to build the THAAD system, capable of intercepting high-altitude ballistic missiles. For this purpose, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense is promoting the work of improving the intermediate-range Cheolmae-2 surface-to-air missiles to the level of the upgraded S-400 type of ballistic missile interceptor system (Cheolmae 4-H).
The ROKN is interested in developing Cheolmae-2, also called M-SAM, land-based SAM system for shipboard use. The Cheolmae-2 missile itself is a variant of the Russian 9M96 missile of S-400 system and its fire control radar is an X-band rotator. Almaz of Russia is building two fire control radar prototypes as of 2007.
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. (See SAM-X project for details of Nike failures.) The Hawk units are still reliable though antiquated, but the Nikes are totally worthless. The HAWK surface-to-air missiles are located in 110 launchers deployed over 24 sites and at major air force installations. The Hawk is due for retirement in 2010.
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