South Korean developers present new SASM anti-ship cruise missiles

The South Korean company LIG Nex1 presented three new models of aircraft anti-ship cruise missiles at the ADEX 2025 exhibition in Seoul. The development is carried out independently of government programs. According to the company, the new missiles have a high level of autonomy, use elements of artificial intelligence and have a modular design.

The lineup includes L-MSM (LIG Modular Smart Missile), L-MCM (LIG Multipurpose Cruise Missile) and SASM (Supersonic Air-to-Surface Missile). The smallest of them, the L-MSM, is about 3 meters long and has a range of 300−500 km. It can be launched from KF-21, FA-50 aircraft or drones. Thanks to interchangeable modules, the missile can perform strike missions, as well as communication or electronic deception functions. Production of prototypes is scheduled to begin in 2026, with ground tests scheduled for 2028.

The L-MCM is designed to engage both sea and land targets. It is equipped with an infrared sensor and CMOS optics for precise guidance. There are two versions of the missile — anti-ship and assault, both with armor-piercing warheads. Ground tests will last until 2029, after which tests from aircraft carriers will begin.

The third missile, SASM, is supersonic and based on the previous Air-to-Ship Missile-II project. It is designed to hit sea and land targets, has improved aerodynamics, a powerful warhead and a high-speed trajectory, which makes it difficult to intercept by air defense systems.

The company noted that the L-MSM and L-MCM missiles can be exported together with South Korean platforms, including the KF-21 fighter. For comparison, the K-ALCM missile, which is also under development, although it has the potential for anti-ship use, is focused exclusively on striking ground targets. According to analysts, the new line demonstrates South Korea’s desire to create an autonomous weapons system and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.