Exclusive: United Arab Emirates Boosts Air Defense Capabilities with M-SAM-II Integrating with US PAC 3 and THAAD.

On May 13, 2025, the United Arab Emirates officially presented the South Korean M-SAM-II ballistic missile interceptor system, also known as Cheongung Block-II, marking its first public appearance in the Middle East. Developed by LIG Nex1 and showcased under the umbrella of Hanwha Aerospace at IDEX 2025, the system reflects South Korea’s increasingly assertive role in the global defense market. Integrated alongside U.S.-made THAAD and PAC-3 systems, the M-SAM-II forms part of the UAE’s expanding multi-layered air and missile defense strategy, tailored to counter regional threats such as cruise missiles, ballistic projectiles, and UAVs.
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The M-SAM-II is a next-generation medium-range surface-to-air missile system that intercepts ballistic threats during their terminal phase (Picture Source: X-Channel @mason_8718)

The deployment of the M-SAM-II system in the Gulf marks a key milestone in South Korea’s defense export efforts and reflects a broader shift among Gulf states toward diversifying defense suppliers. Designed to intercept ballistic missiles and withstand saturation attacks in harsh environments, the M-SAM-II meets regional operational demands. As of June 2024, the UAE has received two of 12 planned batteries, first showcased during Sheikh Hamdan’s visit to Al-Dhafra Air Base. The $3.5 billion deal, signed in January 2022 during a visit by President Moon Jae-in, is South Korea’s largest defense export and includes local production, reinforcing UAE–South Korea defense ties.

The M-SAM-II is a next-generation medium-range surface-to-air missile system that intercepts ballistic threats during their terminal phase. The system operates within a range of 20 to 50 kilometers, with an interception altitude of 15 to 40 kilometers depending on the target type, and a maximum missile speed of Mach 5 (1.7 km/s). Its most critical technological assets include a multi-function Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, equipped with GaN-based high-output semiconductors and advanced digital signal architecture. This radar system is supported by an integrated front-end embedded cooling solution, essential for thermal stability and continuous high-power operation in hot climates like those of the Middle East. These innovations enhance radar output and tracking precision, ensuring effective engagement even during dense missile salvos.

Originally developed to replace legacy Hawk and Patriot batteries within the South Korean military, the M-SAM-II, also known as M-SAM Block-2, has evolved into a core component of Seoul’s broader multi-tiered air defense strategy. The first generation of the M-SAM system, capable of intercepting enemy aircraft, entered service in 2015. The upgraded Block-2 variant, developed by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and manufactured by a consortium of three companies including LIG Nex1, is designed to counter lower-tier ballistic missiles at altitudes below 40 kilometers. Mass production began in 2018, and the system was delivered to the Korean military in November of that year. As a stepping stone toward more advanced systems such as the future M-SAM-III and long-range L-SAM, the M-SAM-II not only enhances national defense but also mirrors the layered protection provided by American THAAD and PAC-3 MSE systems. Beyond its tactical role, it represents a strategic asset in South Korea’s pursuit of defense industrial self-reliance and increased competitiveness in the global arms market.

At IDEX 2025, Hanwha Aerospace, which now oversees the M-SAM-II program following South Korea’s defense industry restructuring, emphasized the system’s interoperability and its place in modular, scalable air defense architectures. The M-SAM-II can be connected to other surveillance and command-and-control assets, facilitating seamless coordination between multiple defense layers. This makes it an attractive option for mid-sized militaries aiming to build autonomous yet integrated air defense networks, especially in light of rising aerial and missile threats in the Middle East.

Beyond the UAE, confirmed M-SAM-II export clients include Saudi Arabia and Iraq, with additional negotiations underway with Romania, the Philippines, and Malaysia. While early exports may focus on initial launch units for training purposes, mounted on Czech-made Tatra trucks, the full system configuration includes fire control radars, AESA sensors, command posts, and reload vehicles. Compared to Western equivalents, M-SAM-II reportedly achieves a performance level comparable to or even exceeding the PAC-3 MSE at a significantly lower cost. Moreover, the system benefits from fewer export restrictions and greater adaptability to partner-specific requirements.

Hanwha Aerospace’s presentation at IDEX 2025 was not limited to M-SAM-II. The company also showcased a comprehensive portfolio of air defense solutions, including the long-range L-SAM, which is scheduled to enter South Korean service in 2027. Together, these systems reflect Hanwha’s ambition to become a global supplier of integrated air and missile defense solutions. The UAE’s adoption of the M-SAM-II aligns with this vision, marking the growing credibility of South Korean systems on the international stage.

The UAE’s unveiling of the M-SAM-II alongside its American-made THAAD and PAC-3 systems marks a pivotal shift in the architecture of Gulf air defenses. As geopolitical tensions grow and the need for agile, layered protection becomes urgent, South Korea’s M-SAM-II emerges not just as an alternative, but as a competitive, scalable, and technologically mature solution. The system’s successful integration into the UAE's missile shield confirms the increasing relevance of South Korean defense technology in shaping the future of global air and missile defense.