{"id":2206668,"date":"2024-10-02T17:19:53","date_gmt":"2024-10-02T08:19:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2206668"},"modified":"2024-10-03T17:54:08","modified_gmt":"2024-10-03T08:54:08","slug":"what-south-korea-can-learn-from-israeli-missile-defense-after-irans-barrage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/10\/what-south-korea-can-learn-from-israeli-missile-defense-after-irans-barrage\/","title":{"rendered":"What South Korea can learn from Israeli missile defense after Iran\u2019s barrage"},"content":{"rendered":"
Iran\u2019s <\/span>massive attack<\/span><\/a> on Israel on Tuesday with some 180 ballistic missiles has placed defense systems in the spotlight and raised questions anew about South Korea\u2019s own plans to intercept a similar barrage by its enemy to the north.<\/span><\/p>\n Israel\u2019s multi-layered defenses, including the Iron Dome and Arrow systems, intercepted \u201cthe majority of incoming missiles,\u201d according to the <\/span>U.S. Department of Defense<\/span><\/a>, once again showcasing the sophistication of these systems.<\/span><\/p>\n But many of the missiles still managed to <\/span>penetrate<\/span><\/a> Israel\u2019s defenses, an uncomfortable reality for military planners to consider given the destruction that even a single nuclear-capable missile can cause.<\/span><\/p>\n The Iranian attack and Israeli response provide valuable insights for South Korea as it faces <\/span>growing missile threats<\/span><\/a> from North Korea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As the DPRK enhances its capabilities, already more advanced than those of Iran, Seoul will have to consider how to improve its own missile interceptors to provide insurance in case of a similar barrage while reckoning with the need to prevent any similar outbreak of hostilities with its nuclear neighbor.<\/p>\n INCREASING THREAT<\/b><\/p>\n North Korea\u2019s missile development has accelerated over the years, posing a credible threat to South Korea, Japan and the continental U.S.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Pyongyang now possesses a <\/span>diverse array<\/span><\/a> of ballistic missiles, including <\/span>nuclear-capable systems<\/span><\/a>. The DPRK\u2019s ability to launch missiles from <\/span>mobile platforms<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>submarines<\/span><\/a> further challenges South Korea\u2019s defense systems.<\/span><\/p>\n North Korea has also been developing <\/span>hypersonic glide vehicles<\/span><\/a> that are more difficult to detect and intercept, though the DPRK has not yet demonstrated that this advanced technology is ready for the battlefield.<\/span><\/p>\n At present, Seoul\u2019s <\/span>Korea Air and Missile Defense<\/span><\/a> (KAMD) framework provides multi-layered coverage using three different interceptor systems \u2014 <\/span>L-SAM<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>PAC-3<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>THAAD<\/span><\/a> \u2014 the last operated by U.S. forces. These systems can intercept different types of missiles at different stages of flight to provide better defense.<\/span><\/p>\n As Pyongyang continues to upgrade its capabilities, Seoul will likely need to enhance its systems to maintain an effective defense posture.<\/span><\/p>\n But this necessity also requires South Korea to confront an uncomfortable reality: Missile defense is inherently expensive, and the financial burden can quickly escalate during extended conflicts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Israel\u2019s Iron Dome system costs between <\/span>$40,000 and $50,000 per interceptor<\/span><\/a>, while the Arrow system incurs <\/span>millions per interception<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n South Korea faces similar financial pressures with its L-SAM system, which is being developed by the Agency for Defense Development. The cost of defending against a large-scale missile barrage from North Korea would likely strain the ROK\u2019s financial and military resources, especially if the DPRK military deploys a mix of ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles.<\/span><\/p>\n As Seoul refines its missile defense strategy, it will need to weigh the financial sustainability of the system, in particular as experts <\/span>raise doubts<\/span><\/a> about whether interceptors can truly stop a nuclear attack.<\/span><\/p>\n