In a move to strengthen its aerial defenses, South Korea has completed the early deployment of the second phase of its upgraded Cheongung-II missile defense system. Originally designed to counter aircraft, the system now targets both airborne and missile threats.
The updated Cheongung-II incorporates modern command elements and multifunction radar units, delivering enhanced low-altitude tracking and simultaneous target engagement. Instead of designing a new solution, Seoul upgraded the existing Cheongung platform, bringing costs down to 645 billion won ($467 million).
With an effective range of 40 km and a ceiling of 15 km, the system is set to be fully deployed by 2027. The improvements boost the system’s readiness against saturation and complex attacks.
This platform plays a critical role in South Korea’s multi-layered KAMD defense network, which works in tandem with preemptive and retaliatory strategies to counter North Korea’s growing missile arsenal and protect national security across all threat levels.
