South Korea showed off its long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM) for the first time at a military parade in Seoul last month, a system that is central to the country’s evolving missile defense strategy, in particular for defending against threats from North Korea. 

Currently in its final development phase, the L-SAM system is anticipated to enter mass production in two years. It is designed to provide mid-altitude interception coverage, complementing other missile defense systems tailored for different altitude ranges.

However, experts told Korea Prothat the present configuration of the L-SAM system cannot serve as a comprehensive substitute for the U.S.