Cheongung-II (M-SAM)
Cheongung-II
OVERVIEW
The Cheongung-II (Iron Hawk-II) is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system developed by LIG Nex1. It provides area defense against aircraft, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles at ranges up to 40km. Part of the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) layered defense architecture.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
BATTLE TESTED REVIEWS
Cheongung-II achieved a 95% intercept success rate across all developmental and operational test engagements, intercepting aircraft, cruise missile, and tactical ballistic missile surrogates under realistic threat scenarios. The system exceeded DAPA performance thresholds in every category, earning full operational certification for KAMD deployment.
During a large-scale ROK air defense exercise simulating saturation attacks, Cheongung-II batteries achieved a 96% kill rate against mixed aerial threats including low-altitude cruise missiles, high-speed maneuvering targets, and simulated ballistic missiles. The system seamlessly integrated with Patriot and L-SAM within the KAMD layered defense architecture.
In its March 2026 combat debut, the UAE-operated Cheongung-II intercepted 29 of 30 incoming Iranian ballistic missiles during retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, achieving a 96.7% success rate in its first real-world engagement. This marked the first known combat interception by the exported South Korean air defense system, instantly validating the platform and triggering a global demand surge. The UAE made an emergency request for 30+ additional interceptors following the engagement.