South Korea approves purchase of SM-3 interceptors capable of shooting down ICBMs outside Earth’s atmosphere

To strengthen its defense capabilities against continued threats from North Korea and China, South Korea has announced plans to purchase Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) ship interceptors from the United States.

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The decision, announced by the state procurement agency on April 26, marks a crucial step in strengthening the country’s defense posture in the face of evolving regional security challenges.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) confirmed that its Weapons Program Review Committee has approved the acquisition program.

According to the agency, South Korea plans to acquire the SM-3 interceptors through government-to-government foreign military sales by 2030, with an estimated cost of 803.9 billion won (about $583.4 million).

The SM-3, a ship-based surface-to-air missile system used by the US Navy, is known for its ability to intercept incoming ballistic missiles at altitudes of more than 100 kilometers.

Once purchased, these interceptors are expected to be integrated into the South Korean Navy’s new Aegis destroyers, boosting their anti-ballistic missile capabilities.

Currently, South Korea is deploying SM-2 ship-to-air missiles on its existing fleet of Aegis destroyers to counter North Korean missile threats. However, the acquisition of SM-3 interceptors represents a strategic shift toward more advanced, longer-range defense systems.

In addition to purchasing SM-3 interceptors, South Korea also wants to purchase Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) naval missiles.

Last year, the US State Department approved a possible sale of SM-6 interceptors and related equipment to boost South Korea’s security. The South Korean government plans to purchase up to 38 SM-6 Block I missiles, vertical launch system canisters and training aids.

Meanwhile, the SM-3 interceptors are expected to be equipped on the new KDX-III Batch II Aegis destroyer, named Sejong the Great.

As part of the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) strategy, the ‘Sejong the Great-class’ Aegis destroyers will be critical in strengthening South Korea’s ballistic missile defense capabilities.

Equipped with the latest Aegis combat system, Baseline 9.C2 ‘KII’, these destroyers offer improved detection performance and compatibility with Raytheon Technologies Corporation’s (RTX) SM-6 and SM-3 missiles.

The lead ship of the KDX-III Batch II program, ROKS Sejong the Great-class, began sea trials in October 2023 and is expected to be delivered to the Republic of Korea Navy in November 2024.

SM-3 deployment to deter North Korea and China

Known for its exo-atmospheric capabilities, the SM-3 is a key component of the Aegis weapon system and uses hit-to-kill kinetic kill vehicles to intercept ballistic missiles during the mid-phase of their flight path.

Initially intended to complement the lower-end SM-2 Block IVA, plans for the SM-3 were changed when it was scrapped in December 2001.

However, advances in Aegis software allow the SM-3 to effectively interoperate with both lower-level SM-2 and SM-6 air defense missiles.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s decision to purchase SM-3 interceptors follows an extensive study conducted by the Korea National Defense College in March 2017, on behalf of the Ministry of Defense.

The study highlighted the effectiveness of sea-launched anti-ballistic missiles, especially SM-3, in countering North Korean high-altitude nuclear missile launches and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) threats.

Similarly, the chairman of the ruling People’s Party’s Special Committee on North Korea’s Nuclear Crisis Response, retired General Kiho Han, earlier emphasized the strengthening of South Korea’s missile defense capabilities.

He pointed out the need for a robust triad system to defend against missile threats. He noted the importance of acquiring SM-3 interceptors to ensure the credibility of South Korea’s missile defense system.

In particular, the introduction of SM-3 missiles is seen as crucial not only for countering North Korean threats, but also for addressing broader regional security concerns.

The threats of a “resurgent Russia and a rising China,” along with China’s rapid naval expansion, have also underscored the urgent need for modern warships equipped with powerful anti-ballistic missile systems.

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In addition to anti-ballistic missile capabilities, the deployment of SM-3 missiles provides an opportunity for South Korea, the US and Japan to ensure the elimination of Chinese satellites, if necessary.

Furthermore, the recent debut of the SM-3 missile in intercepting ballistic missiles during the US response to the Iranian attack on Israel underlines its effectiveness and versatility.

Japan also operates SM-3 missiles aboard its Aegis destroyer fleet and plans to integrate them into its upgraded Aegis system-equipped ships. On the other hand, China consistently condemns the deployment of such missiles as a threat to their nuclear deterrent capabilities, thereby posing a threat to strategic stability.