Air Defense
KM-SAM Cheongung (M-SAM)
The KM-SAM Cheongung, also called M-SAM or Cheolmae-2, is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system made by LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Aerospace in South Korea, in service since 2015. It engages aircraft, cruise missiles and, in Block II form, ballistic missiles, and has become Korea’s biggest air defence export.
South Korea|LIG Nex1 & Hanwha AerospaceWhat Is the KM-SAM Cheongung? Overview, History and Development
Development of the KM-SAM began in 2006 under the Agency for Defense Development, with Russia’s Almaz-Antey consulting on the first block and 9M96-class technology advice, which is why it resembles the S-350 in concept. The first tests took place around 2011 and the system entered South Korean service in 2015. The missile is about 4.6 m long, 275 mm in diameter and roughly 400 kg, launched vertically and credited in open sources with Mach 4.5.
A battery normally combines a 3D multifunction radar, a command vehicle and 6–8 launchers on 8×8 trucks, each carrying 8 missiles. Block II (Cheongung II) extends range to about 50 km and adds terminal-phase anti-ballistic capability. The UAE signed a roughly 3.5 billion dollar order in 2022 and calls its system Shamsher; Saudi Arabia (about 3.2 billion dollars, 2024) and Iraq (about 2.6 billion dollars, 2024) have reportedly followed. Its main rivals are the Patriot, S-350 and Barak 8.
KM-SAM Cheongung Specifications: Range, Altitude, Missiles and Radar
KM-SAM Cheongung Variants and Versions Compared
The original configuration with a range of about 40 km, in Korean service since 2015.
The upgraded version with about 50 km range and an anti-ballistic terminal-phase capability, used in the Gulf and Iraq export deals.
A further development step for which few details have been published.
Which Countries Use the KM-SAM Cheongung? Operators and Users
South Korea
UAEKM-SAM Cheongung FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does KM-SAM Cheongung cost?
The KM-SAM Cheongung has no published unit price, but export contracts show the scale: the UAE order was reportedly worth about 3.5 billion dollars in 2022 and Saudi Arabia’s about 3.2 billion dollars in 2024. Those deals cover multiple batteries, radars and missiles.
What is the range of KM-SAM Cheongung?
The KM-SAM Cheongung has a range of about 40 km in Block I and roughly 50 km in Block II, with an engagement ceiling around 15 km. Block II adds a terminal-phase anti-ballistic role at higher altitudes.
Which countries use KM-SAM Cheongung?
The KM-SAM Cheongung is operated by South Korea and the UAE, where it is called Shamsher. Saudi Arabia and Iraq have reportedly signed contracts for Cheongung II, with Iraqi deliveries expected from about 2027.
KM-SAM Cheongung vs Patriot: which is better?
The KM-SAM Cheongung and Patriot are not direct equals: Cheongung is a medium-range system with about 40–50 km reach, while Patriot PAC-3 offers longer range and a far longer combat record. Cheongung is cheaper and easier to buy, which explains its Gulf sales.
Did the KM-SAM Cheongung shoot down missiles in combat?
The KM-SAM Cheongung reportedly helped intercept ballistic missiles fired by Houthi forces at the UAE in January 2022, although those claims come from press reports and are not independently confirmed. South Korea itself has not used it in combat.
Who makes KM-SAM Cheongung?
The KM-SAM Cheongung is made by LIG Nex1, which builds the missiles, and Hanwha Aerospace, which supplies the radar and launchers, with the Agency for Defense Development leading design. Almaz-Antey of Russia consulted on the first block.