The United Arab Emirates ordered KM-SAM II surface-to-air missile systems, also known as Cheongung-II, in January 2022. The contract was valued at $3.5 billion and included the delivery of 10 systems.
Since then, two KM-SAM II systems have already been delivered to the UAE. During the first month of hostilities following the launch of Operation Epic Rage on February 28, these systems reportedly performed effectively against Iranian ballistic missiles. Reports now indicate that South Korea has delivered a third system, according to Defence Security Asia.
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Defense Express notes that if the delivery of a third system is confirmed, the situation raises questions about possible double standards. Ukraine has repeatedly sought to acquire South Korean weapons, including these air defense systems, as air defense has remained a critical requirement throughout the full-scale war, particularly capabilities to counter ballistic threats.
However, South Korea has declined to supply such systems to Ukraine, citing domestic legislation that prohibits arms exports to countries at war. At the same time, Seoul continues deliveries to the UAE, which is also effectively engaged in hostilities.
According to a member of the National Assembly's National Defense Committee, the Cheongung medium range surface to air missile system, recently deployed in the UAE, has recorded a 96% interception rate in actual combat. This marks the first time a South Korean air defense system… pic.twitter.com/bs7ipnSTSS— 360ANAVY (@NavyWor) March 5, 2026
Moreover, since February 28, reports have indicated that the UAE requested an accelerated delivery schedule for KM-SAM II systems, ahead of the original contract timeline. In addition, South Korea reportedly supplied an extra 30 interceptor missiles due to the depletion of stocks following Iranian strikes.
One possible explanation for these apparent inconsistencies may lie in the origins of the KM-SAM program. The earlier KM-SAM I was developed in cooperation with the russian company Almaz-Antey and was based on the 9M96 missile used in systems such as the S-400 and S-350.
However, this cooperation dates back to the 2000s. Today, russia and Almaz-Antey have no involvement in the upgraded KM-SAM II, which retains only limited similarities with its predecessor.
It is also worth noting that the UAE's missile defense capabilities were reportedly weakened following the likely destruction of its two AN/TPY-2 radar systems, which are critical for the operation of THAAD missile defense systems.
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