South Korea is sending additional Cheongung-II air defense interceptors to the United Arab Emirates after the Gulf nation issued an emergency request amid ongoing missile and drone attacks linked to Iran. Reports from South Korean media indicate that more than 30 interceptors will be delivered to support the Cheongung-II systems already deployed in the UAE, with the shipment transported by a C-17 military airlifter that arrived in the country on Sunday.
The UAE currently operates two batteries of the Cheongung-II system as part of its broader air defense network, which also includes the American-made MIM-104 Patriot. Abu Dhabi had initially asked Seoul to expedite delivery of the remaining eight Cheongung-II systems purchased under a $3.5-billion contract signed in 2022 with defense companies LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Systems. However, South Korea reportedly could not accelerate the delivery schedule due to prior international commitments. The country has also signed major export deals for the system with Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
The urgent request for additional interceptors comes after the system was used in combat for the first time in the UAE, reportedly achieving an interception success rate above 96 percent against Iranian missile and drone attacks. The regional escalation began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran starting February 28, which reportedly resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting US bases across the Middle East, with some strikes also affecting civilian infrastructure including airports and hotels.
According to South Korean media, the UAE’s air and missile defense network intercepted 161 ballistic missiles and 689 drones during the first three days of the attacks, achieving a success rate exceeding 90 percent. South Korean Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik stated that several other countries have expressed interest in the Cheongung-II system, though he did not reveal which nations were involved. Analysts say the system’s proven performance in real combat could significantly strengthen its export potential.
The Cheongung-II is a medium-range surface-to-air missile platform designed to defend against aircraft and ballistic missiles. Each battery typically includes four launch launchers, a radar unit, and a command and fire-control center. The system’s 400-kilogram interceptor employs a hit-to-kill approach and can engage ballistic missiles at altitudes above 15 kilometers and ranges of around 20 kilometers. When targeting aircraft, it can reach distances of about 50 kilometers with interception altitudes of up to 20 kilometers. Development of the system involved South Korean companies LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Systems.
