South Korea Deploys Cheongung-II Missile System to UAE to Counter Iranian Attacks

Seoul — South Korea’s Cheongung-II air defence missile system, stationed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has intercepted a ballistic missile launched by Iran. According to The Korea Times, two battery units of the system are currently deployed in the UAE.

The successful missile interception marks the first operational combat use of a South Korean air defence system abroad. On 5 March, UAE authorities requested South Korea to deliver the remaining systems under contract ahead of the original schedule.

In January 2022, the UAE military signed a contract with South Korean companies LIG Nex1, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Aerospace to purchase 10 Cheongung-II batteries. Currently, two batteries have been deployed in the country.

The Cheongung-II system is designed to defend against aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Each battery comprises four launchers, radar equipment, and a combat control centre. In 2024, Saudi Arabia also placed an order for the Cheongung-II anti-aircraft missile system from South Korea.

The Cheongung-II system was developed with technical support from Russian design bureau Almaz-Antey, with participation from Samsung Thales, LIG Nex1, and Doosan DST. According to its developers, the new version of the South Korean air defence system is equipped with faster missiles and greater range capabilities.

LIG Nex1 reported that the target was struck by a direct hit, and during testing, the system demonstrated 100 per cent accuracy. Iran has recently used drones to attack an air base in the UAE that is used by Australia.