Iraq has signed a 3.28 trillion Iraqi dinar ($2.8 billion) deal with South Korean defense firm LIG Nex1 to procure mid-range surface-to-air missile defense systems.
Iraq’s Ministry of Defense described the deal closed last week as a “qualitative strategic breakthrough for (the country’s) air defense as it covers all Iraqi airspace and achieves the regional balance of the country.”
South Korean press agency Yonhap identified the missile system as LIG Nex1’s Cheongung-II (M-SAM II) for intercepting enemy aircraft and missiles.
LIG Nex1 will build the missile and integrated system, while Hanwha Systems Co. will supply the radar and Hanwha Aerospace Co. will manufacture the launchers and vehicles.
Cheongung-II (M-SAM II)
The medium-range, medium-altitude surface-to-air missile defense system is designed to intercept ballistic missiles and aerial threats at an altitude of 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) and a range of 40 kilometers (24.9 miles).
Cheongung-II uses multifunction radar tracking and precision seekers for dealing with multiple targets simultaneously and has rapid-response design and control features.
Iraq will be the third country to procure the Cheongung-II after the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.