Cheongung

Cheongung, also known as KM-SAM or M-SAM, was developed to replace older South Korean Hawk systems with a domestic medium-range surface-to-air missile capability. The programme combined South Korean industry with foreign technical influence, then localized production and integration through firms such as LIG Nex1. It became a major step in Seoul's move toward indigenous air-defence systems.

The Cheongung system integrates launchers, radar, command vehicles, and interceptor missiles to engage aircraft and missile threats. Later Cheongung-II variants improved ballistic-missile interception capability and export attractiveness. The system's value lies in being a complete air-defence battery rather than only a missile round, with domestic sustainment and upgrade pathways.

Cheongung entered South Korean air-defence service and has become a notable export system, including Middle Eastern contracts. The export growth matters because it places South Korea among major suppliers of medium-range air defence. For HiWars readers, Cheongung is a clear example of South Korea moving from licensed or imported systems toward competitive indigenous missiles.