South Korea to start series production of new KTSSM short range tactical ballistic missile

The KTSSM during tests. Photo c/o Global Security.

The South Korean Defense Acquisition Project Administration (DAPA) has confirmed that it will start series production of the new indigenous Korean Tactical Surface to Surface Missile (MTSSM) system by late 2020.

DAPA released a statement of their approval to acquire at least 200 missiles, with a budget of around KRW320 billion (US$289 million), which will be delivered to the South Korean military starting 2022, and completed by 2025.

The new KTSSM was developed by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Hanwha, was designed to allow precision strikes, with emphasis on destroying long range artillery systems hidden in underground tunnels, before they can be used against South Korea.

It also resembles the American MGM-140 ATACMS missile, although the Korean missile is much cheaper and has less range, but is said to be more accurate.

The missiles have an estimated range of at least 120 kilometers and can be launched from a static launching system, or a self-propelled mobile platform.

The KTSSM is a low-cost tactical ballistic missile, said to be costing less than half of the Hyunmoo-2 short range ballistic missile and can be operated by the Corps-level army units. It weighs around 1.5 tons, and is guided by GPS and/or Inertial Navigation System (INS).



[1] Jane’s
[2] Yonhap News