The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) said it would begin mass-producing the Singung, nicknamed Chiron, missiles early next year for operational deployment.

"Singung will significantly enhance the military's morale and the air-defense system," ADD's chief missile developer Lee Un-bong told a news conference held at the defense ministry.

Lee said the 60 million dollar project was the first time South Korea developed a portable anti-aircraft missile.

Tests showed the missile could hit more than 90 percent of targeted aircraft flying at a distance of up to seven kilometers (4.3 miles) and at a speed of mach 0.7-0.8, he said.

South Korea has an unidentified number of French-made Mistral and US-made Stinger missiles, while North Korea is said to have around 1,000 mostly Russian-made shoulder-launched SA-7s and SA-16s.

The ADD said the Singung missile costs around 180 million wondollars), cheaper than a Mistral which costs Seoul 230 million won.

It said it expects to produce 500 Singung annually from next year.

South Korea has developed a wide range of missiles to counter North Korea's artillery and short-range missiles.

But under an accord with the United States, South Korea cannot develop its own missiles with a range longer than 180 kilometers.

North Korea has already deployed Rodong missiles with a range of 1,300 kilometers on top of short-range Scuds, while actively developing longer-range Taepodong missiles with a range of up to 6,000 kilometers.

The United States, under a 50-year-old mutual defense treaty, stations 37,000 troops in South Korea.

SPACE.WIRE