S. Korea to acquire U.S. SM-6 missile interceptors for deployment by 2034
South Korea finalized a plan to acquire U.S. Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) interceptors for its Aegis destroyers, deploying them by 2034 to enhance defense against anti-ship ballistic missiles, aircraft, and cruise missiles. The project, costing 530 billion won, follows a 2023 U.S. approval for a scaled-back purchase of up to 38 SM-6 missiles, with deployment revised from the original 2023-31 timeline.
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) approved a 530 billion-won (US$351.5 million) plan to acquire U.S. Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) interceptors, set for deployment by 2034. The SM-6, a long-range ship-to-air missile, can track and destroy anti-ship ballistic missiles, aircraft, and cruise missiles within a 460 km range and up to 36 km altitude. The interceptors will equip the 8,200-ton Aegis destroyers ROKS Dasan Jeong Yakyong and ROKS Daeho Kim Jong Seo, scheduled for service this year, and upgrade the already-deployed ROKS Jeongjo the Great. DAPA stated the project will bolster ship-to-air defense capabilities, particularly against enemy anti-ship threats. The acquisition follows a 2023 U.S. approval for up to 38 SM-6 missiles under a $650 million Foreign Military Sales program, though Friday’s announcement indicates a scaled-back purchase. Deployment has also been extended to 2034, revised from the original 2023-31 timeline, due to negotiation delays. Additionally, DAPA approved a 1.27 trillion-won research and development plan for a new military communications satellite system, replacing older infrastructure. The project, running from 2024 to 2032, will develop a geostationary satellite and ground equipment, with a contract for prototype development expected by March 2025.
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