South Korea’s domestically developed air defense missile system, the Cheongung-II (M-SAM II), will be exported to Iraq in a deal worth 3.7 trillion won (approximately $2.63 billion). This marks a significant expansion of South Korea’s defense exports in the Middle East, following earlier contracts with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.
LIG Nex1 announced on Sept. 20 that it had signed an agreement with Iraq’s Ministry of Defense in Baghdad on Sept. 19 to supply the M-SAM II. The system, a medium-range, medium-altitude surface-to-air interceptor, is designed to counter both ballistic missiles and aerial threats. Developed with South Korean technology under the oversight of the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, it has been in production since 2018 and boasts a 100% success rate in various interception tests.
The M-SAM II incorporates advanced technology, including systems for engaging aircraft and ballistic missiles, multifunction radar tracking, precision seekers for simultaneous multi-target engagement, and rapid-response design and control features. A South Korean defense industry official noted, “The market for exporting advanced guided weapons is dominated by a few nations, making it difficult for newcomers. Beyond performance, establishing a strong trust relationship with the buyer is crucial, as these systems directly impact national security.”
With this contract, the Cheongung-II will be deployed in Iraq, adding to previous exports to the UAE (4.6 trillion won) and Saudi Arabia (4.3 trillion won). South Korean defense officials also believe this deal increases the likelihood of future exports of long-range, high-altitude interceptor systems to the region.
