A contract worth US$3.2 billion has been finalized to export the KM-SAM2 (Cheongung) ballistic missile system, also known as the Korean Patriot Missile, to Saudi Arabia.
The Korean Ministry of National Defense announced on Feb. 6 (local time) a contract for the export of 10 M-SAM2 batteries signed between South Korean defense contractor LIG Nex1 and the Saudi Defense Ministry last November on the occasion of a meeting between Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and Saudi Defense Minister Al Saud Khalid bin Salman Al Saud.
Lee Hyun-soo, vice president of LIG Nex1’s overseas business division, held a signing ceremony at the World Defense Show (WDS) in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, with Saudi Arabian government officials to announce the contract.
The contract also listed Hanwha Systems, which produces the M-SAM2’s multifunctional radar (MFR), and Hanwha Aerospace (formerly Hanwha Defense), which manufactures the launcher as well.
The M-SAM2 is a medium-range, medium-altitude surface-to-air interceptor weapon system developed by LIG Nex1 since 2012 under the leadership of Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD).
The missile was developed to simultaneously respond to airborne threats such as ballistic missiles and aircraft. It was certified for combat use in 2017 and began its volume production in 2018.
The M-SAM2 is considered a key weapon in the Korean Anti-Missile Defense System (KAMD) against North Korean ballistic missiles, as it is equipped with engagement control technology for intercepting ballistic missiles, tracking technology of multifunctional radars and precise seekers for multi-target simultaneous engagement.
What is more, the latest technologies such as front wing steerable shape design and control technology and continuous thrust-type side thrust were applied to the missile so that the missile can respond quickly.
With a maximum range of 40 kilometers, the missile is used to intercept enemy aircraft and missiles approaching at an altitude of 40 kilometers or less. One single launcher can launch up to eight guided missiles, providing a 360-degree all-round response to aircraft threats.
The M-SAM2 has achieved a 100 percent hit rate in multiple test launches. In particular, during the test launch, it flew at a speed of Mach 4.5 (5,500 kph) after igniting a second time in midair and accurately hit a target about 40 kilometers away, proving its ability to intercept enemy aircraft.
This has marked the second export of the M-SAM2 to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after the first one in January 2022. It also means that overseas markets have duly recognized the Korean defense industry’s competitiveness and prowess.