Seoul, South Korea – In a strategic move to bolster its national defense capabilities, South Korea has completed the upgrade of its Cheongung-I (Heavenly Palace I) air defense missile system to the more advanced Cheongung-II (Heavenly Palace II) version. This new system not only retains its aircraft-intercepting capabilities but is also equipped with the ability to shoot down ballistic missiles, marking a significant step forward in countering growing security threats in the region.
South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) officially announced on Monday the completion of this major upgrade, stating that the first Cheongung-II systems have been delivered and deployed with the military. The full operational deployment of the entire system is expected by 2027.
This upgrade establishes the Cheongung-II as a core component of South Korea's mid-range air and missile defense network, representing a fundamental shift in the nation's defense posture. Instead of solely focusing on aerial threats from aircraft like its predecessor, the Cheongung-II can engage a broader spectrum of airborne targets, particularly ballistic missiles.
A Leap Forward in Technology and Cost-Efficiency
The Cheongung-I system, originally developed to counter aircraft incursions, revealed its limitations in dealing with high-velocity ballistic targets. Recognizing this, the development of Cheongung-II was initiated shortly after the first-generation system was completed in 2012.
The upgraded Cheongung-II version is equipped with interceptor missiles that have a longer range and higher speed, along with a state-of-the-art radar and guidance system. These enhancements allow the system to accurately track and destroy medium-altitude ballistic missiles in real-time. The system operates automatically and is designed for seamless integration with the South Korean military's existing command and control infrastructure.
According to DAPA, retrofitting existing Cheongung-I systems to the Cheongung-II standard is a more cost-effective solution than producing and deploying entirely new systems. Following a series of successful evaluation tests in June 2017, the Cheongung-II system was certified combat-ready, meeting all stringent performance standards.
A Critical Piece of the National Missile Defense System
The Cheongung-II now serves as a crucial defensive layer in the multi-tiered Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system. The goal of KAMD is to protect the country from increasingly complex missile threats, especially from North Korea. In the context of Pyongyang's ongoing missile tests, the Cheongung-II's ballistic missile interception capability has become an urgent requirement.
Success in the International Market
Beyond strengthening domestic defense, the domestically-produced Cheongung-II system has garnered significant international interest. South Korea has signed contracts to export this advanced air defense system to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, where it is being integrated into their national air defense networks.
While the specific number of units that have been upgraded and commissioned has not been disclosed, DAPA confirmed that the deployment will continue in phases until the entire armed forces are fully equipped with this modern defense system.
