The first export of the medium-range surface-to-air guided missile 'Cheongung-Ⅱ (M-SAMⅡ)' to Iraq is imminent. LIG Nex1, which produces Cheongung-Ⅱ, and Hanwha Group have been at odds over the delivery price and timing regarding the export quantity to Iraq. An official in the defense industry noted, 'We are currently coordinating details and expect to prioritize the supply of the first quantity while simultaneously reaching a consensus.'

According to local media including the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and Shafaq News on the 8th, Iraqi Defense Minister Tabet Al-Abbasi recently stated, 'We will receive the first deployment of the (Cheongung) system within the next few months, following a carefully reviewed schedule considering national priorities and the needs of the military.'

The Ministry of National Defense of Iraq explains the reasons for the introduction of Cheongung-II through its YouTube account. /Courtesy of YouTube account capture

On the 5th (local time), Al Kafaji, director of media at the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, also said, 'A highly advanced Korean air defense system (Cheongung-Ⅱ) will soon arrive,' adding that 'efforts to strengthen the air defense network are accelerating, and there are no obstacles or disruptions to the implementation of the plan.'

The government signed an export contract for Cheongung-Ⅱ with the Iraqi government last September. The contract amount reaches $2.8 billion (approximately 3.74 trillion won).

Cheongung II, a medium-range surface-to-air guided weapon by LIG Nex1. /Courtesy of LIG Nex1

LIG Nex1 did not negotiate prices or delivery timelines with Hanwha, which is supplying guided missiles, launchers, and radars, while securing the Iraqi project.

The two companies met in the National Assembly last November and agreed on a smooth export. In February of this year, Son Jae-il, president of Hanwha Aerospace, and Shin Ik-hyun, president of LIG Nex1, confirmed their cooperation, followed by ongoing discussions among working-level staff. A defense industry official noted, 'I understand that the negotiations are in the final stages.'

The Cheongung 2 surface-to-air missile by LIG Nex1. /Courtesy of LIG Nex1 YouTube capture

Cheongung-Ⅱ is used to intercept enemy aircraft and missiles approaching below an altitude of 40 km. It is a core weapon of the Korean missile defense system, also known as the 'Korean Patriot missile.' It can carry up to 8 guided missiles for continuous launch from a single launcher. Before the export to Iraq, it was also exported to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

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