South Korea Refuses to Comment on UAE’s Urgent Request for Missiles for Cheongung-II Air Defense System

The United Arab Emirates has asked South Korea to expedite the delivery of the Cheongung-II air defense system and interceptor missiles. Seoul is reviewing the request despite previous refusals to supply weapons to countries involved in armed conflicts.

The Star reported on this, citing a representative of South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

The request comes amid efforts by Persian Gulf states to strengthen air defense following the escalation of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

An official from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the UAE had requested earlier delivery of Cheongung-II batteries and interceptor missiles than originally specified in the contract.

“The UAE’s request for early delivery of the Cheongung-II batteries and interceptor missiles was received in recent days. We are currently in discussions with the UAE government,” the official said.

In 2022, the UAE signed a contract with South Korea worth about $3.5 billion to purchase 10 Cheongung-II batteries. At the time, it was the largest arms export deal in South Korea’s history.

Two of the systems are already on combat duty and have reportedly intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles. According to the official, details of the UAE request, including the number of batteries and interceptor missiles involved, remain classified.

A spokesperson for LIG Nex1 said South Korea has limited capacity to fulfill the request immediately, as it must first complete deliveries for its own armed forces and other export customers, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Logistics for transporting the systems to the Middle East also pose challenges.

South Korea previously declined to sell weapons to Ukraine. Kyiv had expressed interest in the Cheongung air defense system, air surveillance radars, and counter-battery radar systems.

Ukrainian representatives also sought to purchase 155-mm artillery ammunition or, if shells could not be supplied, at least components such as propellant charges.

K9 Thunder self-propelled guns for the 15th Mechanized Brigade artillery unit. Photo credits: 15th Mechanized Brigade

At the same time, major South Korean defense companies, including LIG Nex1, Hanwha, and Hyundai Rotem, were instructed to refrain from contacts with Ukraine regarding potential weapons sales.

Officials cited possible violations of national export regulations restricting the supply of weapons to active conflict zones as the main obstacle to arms exports to Ukraine. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol reaffirmed the ban on the transfer of weapons to Ukraine on May 9, 2024.