The LST-south as part of the "CTA+" program

In the context of the Italian Resilience and Recovery Plan (PNRR), INAF and INFN proposed the "CTA+" Program aimed at extending the scope and strengthen the scientific return of the Southern Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) site. The main objective of this program is to realize and implement two end-to-end Large-Sized Telescopes (LSTs) at CTAO-S as part of the LST Collaboration. The approved and full-funded program has formally began on January 1st, 2023 and has a duration of 36 months. The baseline design of the mechanical structure will be based on that of the northern LSTs, apart from some possible changes to fulfil the environmental specifications of the southern site and further reduce the construction risks and costs. The mirrors will be produced using a technology invented in Italy by INAF, via a cold replica of glass slabs to make the 2 m diameter mirrors. The camera will be almost identical to those of LST-N. The production of the cameras, mirrors and mechanical structures will be realized through large industrial contracts that will be supervised by the CTA+ management with the full support of the LST Collaboration.