On July 9, 2024, South Korean Defense Company Hanwha Systems, led by CEO Sung-Chul Eoh, announced a significant contract to supply Multi-Function Radar (MFR) for the Middle-range Surface-to-Air Defense System MSAM-II, also named Cheongung-II to Saudi Arabia. Valued at approximately USD 867 million, this agreement marks Hanwha Systems’ second international export of the Cheongung-II MFR, following a successful deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2022.
In November 2023, Saudi Arabia signed a significant contract with South Korea to procure 10 batteries of the KM-SAM Block II medium-range surface-to-air defense missile system. The deal, valued at approximately $3.2 billion, was officially announced in February 2024 during the World Defense Show in Riyadh. This contract follows a similar $3.5 billion deal South Korea secured with the UAE in January 2022 for the same missile system.
The MSAM-II, or Middle-range Surface-to-Air Missile-II, known as Cheongung-II in Korea, is an advanced missile defense system designed to intercept enemy missiles. It is a key component of the Korean Missile Defense (KAMD) system, providing a crucial layer of defense against both aircraft and ballistic missile threats.
The Cheongung-II Multi-Function Radar (MFR) plays a crucial role within the MSAM-II (Middle-range Surface-to-Air Missile-II) battery, which is an advanced missile defense system designed to intercept enemy aircraft and ballistic missiles. The MFR serves as the core sensor of the Cheongung system, providing Korea’s first three-dimensional phased-array radar capabilities. It performs multiple complex missions simultaneously, including detection, tracking, friend or foe identification, missile guidance, and intercept confirmation.