Korean Cheongung-II SAM Successfully Intercepts Iranian Missile Over UAE for First Time

South Korea’s Cheongung-II missile defense system, deployed in the UAE, intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile.

According to The Korea Times, two batteries of this system are currently deployed in the United Arab Emirates.

The successful interception of the missile by the Cheongung-II system was the first combat use of the South Korean air defense system abroad.

On March 5, the UAE authorities asked South Korea to deliver the remaining systems under the contract ahead of schedule.

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

Cheongung-II systems are designed to protect against aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. One battery consists of four launchers, a radar, and a combat control center.

In 2024, Saudi Arabia also ordered Cheongung-II anti-aircraft missile systems from South Korea.

The Cheongung-II system was developed with technical support from the Russian design bureau Almaz-Antey, with the participation of Samsung Thales, LIG Nex1, and Doosan DST.

According to the developers, the new version of South Korea’s air defense system is equipped with faster, longer-range missiles.

LIG Nex1 notes that the target is hit by a direct strike, and during testing, the system demonstrated 100% accuracy.

Iran recently used drones to attack an airbase in the United Arab Emirates used by Australia.

Afterward, France deployed Rafale fighter jets to the UAE to protect its military facilities from Iranian attacks.