Recently, South Korea released for the first time relevant images of a domestically produced L-SAM air defense system launching a new AAM missile. It is reported that this new missile will be used in conjunction with ABM missiles, gradually replacing the American made Patriot GEM-T missile. The design goal of the L-SAM air defense system is to intercept multiple aerial threats. Among them, ABM missiles mainly target high-altitude ballistic missiles, while the new AAM missiles focus on medium and long-range air defense, used to deal with targets such as fighter jets and cruise missiles. The system adopts a modular design, and the launcher can simultaneously load anti missile and anti-aircraft missiles without the need for separate launch devices. It can quickly adjust the configuration according to different threat scenarios. The new AAM missile was developed by LIG Nex1 company. Compared to the "Patriot" GEM-T missile that relies on outdated radar and guidance technology, its active radar seeker can autonomously lock onto the target without the need for continuous radar illumination from the launch platform, thereby reducing the exposure risk of the launch device during missile flight. At present, the new AAM missile has entered the mass production stage. South Korea is developing a naval version of the L-SAM air defense system to replace the American made SM series missiles on naval vessels. At the same time, the next generation of L-SAM air defense system has also entered the research and development stage. The South Korean Ministry of National Defense plans to introduce new interception technology and improve propulsion technology to enhance its ability to respond to hypersonic weapons. Analysis suggests that South Korea's acceleration of air defense system construction has multiple strategic considerations. Firstly, establish a complete air defense system. According to South Korea's defense plan, the L-SAM air defense system will be deeply integrated with the existing KM-SAM air defense system and C-Dome air defense system to form a multi-level network covering high-altitude missile defense, medium range air defense, and terminal interception. South Korea hopes to enhance its ability to respond to multi wave and multi-directional saturation attacks through data exchange and collaborative response between air defense systems, forming an independent and complete national air defense system. Secondly, reduce dependence on foreign technology. For a long time, the core equipment of South Korea's air defense system has adopted American made systems, and maintenance, upgrades, and other links rely on American technical support. The supply of key components is affected by the international situation. South Korea is promoting the construction of domestically produced L-SAM air defense systems with the aim of reducing the risk of key technologies being controlled by humans and enhancing the autonomy and stability of the national defense system. Thirdly, expand the international military trade market. The modular design of the L-SAM air defense system can adapt to the air defense needs of different countries, and its multi-target interception capability is regarded by South Korea as its core competitiveness in breaking through the international market. Currently, South Korea has initiated export negotiations with Middle Eastern countries and has identified countries with rapidly growing defense needs, such as Poland and Australia, as key expansion targets. South Korea's goal is not only to obtain economic benefits through exports, but also to enhance the reputation and influence of its domestic defense enterprises, thereby occupying more market share in the global air defense equipment market. South Korea has high expectations for the L-SAM air defense system, but its actual effectiveness still needs to be tested. Analysis has pointed out that there is a gap between the system and some international advanced air defense systems in terms of anti missile warning and detection capabilities, interception missile propulsion technology, and other aspects. Meanwhile, some core technologies of the system still rely on external support. For example, some radar technology research and development involves European companies, while missile engine development draws on external technological experience, which may affect the system's autonomy and long-term maintenance. In addition, the collaborative adaptability between the L-SAM air defense system and existing air defense systems is questionable. In the current air defense network of South Korea, the "Patriot" system imported from the United States, the domestically produced KM-SAM air defense system in South Korea, and the C-Dome air defense system imported from Israel adopt different technical standards, and there are differences in the protocol interfaces of the command and control system. To achieve integrated interception, cross system compatibility issues also need to be addressed. (New Society)