S. Korea Plans Three-Axis Defense to Counter Nuclear, Missile Threats

South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has outlined a total of 197 projects in a recent parliamentary session to establish the "three-axis" defense system.

The "three-axis" defense system is being developed to cope with North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats. The system consists of the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform; the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR); and the Korea Air and Missile Defense system (KAMD).

DAPA has listed projects to acquire five surveillance satellites and tactical ground-to-ground guided weapons under the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform.

Procurement of a ballistic missile early warning radar system, the long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM) interception system and the low altitude missile defense (LAMD) system are in the pipeline for the Korea Air and Missile Defense system (KAMD).

DAPA highlighted projects to secure a 230-mm multiple rocket launcher and upgrade C-130H transport aircraft for the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR), one of the three-axis of the defense system.

In the session, DAPA also laid out its strategy for research and development which involved 20% of its investment being allotted to “high-risk, high-level" technologies, while 60% would go to catch-up technological advancements, with the remainder going to technologies required for use at present.