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M SAM II Air Defense System

M SAM II Air Defense System

Manufacturer: LIG Nex1
Category: Defense Systems
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Maximum Range ~150 km
Maximum Altitude ~40 km
Radar Detection Range 200 km plus
Missile Speed Mach 5

Defense Systems Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	M SAM II Cheongung
Manufacturer	LIG Nex1
Country of Origin	South Korea
Type / Role	Medium Range Surface to Air Missile System
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	2021
Unit Cost	USD 400 to 500 Million per Battery Estimated

2. Performance & Capabilities

Maximum Engagement Range	Up to 150 km
Maximum Engagement Altitude	Around 40 km
Target Types	Aircraft, Cruise Missiles, Ballistic Missiles
Interception Probability	High against SRBM class threats
Reaction Time	Under 15 seconds
Radar Detection Range	200 km plus

3. Missile Specifications

Missile Type	Hit to Kill Interceptor
Missile Length	Approx. 4.6 m
Missile Weight	Approx. 400 kg
Warhead Type	Kinetic Kill Vehicle
Speed	Mach 5

4. Radar & Fire Control

Radar Type	AESA Multi Function Radar
Detection Range	200 km plus
Tracking Capacity	Dozens of targets simultaneously
Guidance System	Active Radar Homing
Fire Control System	Automated Digital Fire Control

5. Launcher & Mobility

Launcher Type	Mobile Truck Mounted
No. of Missiles per Launcher	8
Reload Time	Under 1 hour
Mobility Platform	8x8 Tactical Truck
Crew Required	3 to 5 personnel

6. Command & Control

C2 System	Integrated Air and Missile Defense C2
Connectivity	Secure Data Links
Network Capability	Yes
Operation Mode	Autonomous and Networked

7. Operational Use

Primary Operator	South Korea, UAE, Saudi Arabia
Combat Proven	No
Conflict History	None
Notable Feature	Balanced Cost and Capability

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 9 / 10
Performance 9 / 10
Operational Flexibility 7 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 7 / 10

PROS

Modern AESA radar with strong electronic counter countermeasures
Effective against aircraft and ballistic missile threats
High interceptor speed and hit to kill technology
Mobile, road deployable architecture
Competitive cost compared to similar Western systems

CONS

Shorter range than long range systems like THAAD
Limited combat history to date
Smaller global operator base
Dependent on integrated radar and C2 network
Export availability subject to policy approvals

M SAM II Cheongung Air Defense System

The M SAM II, also known as Cheongung II, is South Korea’s next generation medium range air defense system designed to counter aircraft, cruise missiles, and short range ballistic missiles. Built to bridge the gap between short range point defenses and long range systems, M SAM II reflects Seoul’s focus on layered, networked air and missile defense in high threat environments.

Manufacturer and Origin

M SAM II is developed by LIG Nex1, with key contributions from Hanwha Aerospace and the Agency for Defense Development of South Korea. The system is fully indigenous, though its design philosophy aligns with modern Western air defense concepts. It entered service with the Republic of Korea Air Force in the early 2020s and has since gained export success.

Speed and Range

The system uses hit to kill capable interceptors with an estimated maximum engagement range of up to 150 km and an interception altitude of around 40 km. Missile speed is assessed at approximately Mach 5, enabling effective engagement of fast, maneuvering targets, including ballistic missiles in their terminal phase. An AESA radar provides long range detection and multi target tracking.

Cost and Role

While exact pricing varies by configuration, open source estimates place the cost of an M SAM II battery at roughly USD 400 to 500 million. The system is intended to protect critical infrastructure, air bases, and population centers, and is often compared to Patriot class systems at a lower cost point.

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