On July 28, 2025, South Korea announced it would activate and deploy the first batch of its updated Cheongung-II (KM SAMBlock II) air defence (AD) system as a part of its multi-layered air defence and integrated joint missile defence system modernization. Unlike the prior Cheongung I, which focused on aircraft defence, the upgraded Cheongung II can engage both aerial targets and short range ballistic missiles with a max range of approximately 50 km and interception altitude up to 20 km. The system is built around a phased array multi-function X band radar that is capable of detecting threats within 100 km, tracking 40 targets at a time and launching and guiding several interceptors in a simultaneous engagement with multiple targets. Each battery includes four to six vertical-launch launchers, an engagement control centre and a radar, and is a fully mobile medium range SAM unit. From a missile defence perspective, Cheongung-II was announced as a part of KAMD, Korea’s Korean Air and Missile Defence (KAMD) system, which includes US-provided patriot interceptors and forthcoming L SAMs that together provide low, medium and upper-tier missile defence elements. Official statements indicate Cheongung’s full operational capability is expected by 2027, when the ROKA (Republic of Korea Air Force) will have brought to the field all seven planned batteries in preparation for robust national missile defence capability.
