BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3 END-USE CHECK:

UNCLAS SEOUL 000702 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR PM/DTCC-BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AU ETTC KOMC KS SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3 END-USE CHECK: APPLICATION 05-050092404 REF: A) STATE 00025656 ¶1. Per reftel, post contacted the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA),Agency of Defense Development (ADD),and LIG NEX 1 by email, phone and fax. ¶2. All of our contacts (LTC Hwang Young Joo, M-SAM Program Manager, DAPA; Dr. Kim Il Suk, M-SAM Program Development, ADD; Mr. Choi Yoo Chang, Department Chief, Systems Integration & Management, LIG Nex1; and Mr. Jeong Taik Jin, Program Analyst, Overseas Procurement Office, LIG Nex1) confirmed the existence of the Republic of Korea's (ROK) M- SAM project. The M-SAM is a medium range surface-to-air missile program that shields the low-mid tier of ROK's air- defense system. ¶3. The M-SAM replaces the antiquated HAWK lower-tier missile defense system with the establishment of 6 new batteries for the ROK Air Force (ROKAF). The program is being developed indigenously under the auspices of the ADD with a target year of 2010 for fielding. The program is in its final integration phase of testing and evaluation. ¶4. LTC Hwang Young Joo, M-SAM Program Manager, DAPA confirmed that LIG NEX1 is officially listed as a DAPA "procurement company." LIG NEX1 is also the systems integrator of the entire M-SAM program, which includes: testing and evaluation of ground weapon control sites and field units; integration of launchers, ammunition, fire control systems; integration among search radars-control site-missile batteries; and interoperability of communications, ammunition, replacement spare parts, among other responsibilities. ¶5. ADD and LIG NEX1 personnel confirmed that the KXD-X9N was ordered for testing and evaluation, and consists of the launcher component of the system. As noted in reftel, ADD and LIG NEX1 told us the part is manufactured by "Leach International" in the U.S., with a projected shipment date of April 11, 2008. VERSHBOW