Following the news that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with South Korea for the purchase of M-SAM II/Cheongung II, a mid-range surface-to-air missile system;

Tushar M, Defence Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:

“Estimated to be worth $3.5 billion (KRW4 trillion), this deal is a major step towards deepening military and defence cooperation between the UAE and South Korea. The UAE is the first foreign customer to purchase Cheongung II, and is expected to assist the UAE in countering increasing drone and ballistic missile attacks by Houthi militants. Cheongung II features improved manoeuvrability and employs ‘hit-to-kill’ technology against ballistic missiles. It will complement the UAE’s in-service Patriot air defence systems to secure the country’s airspace from aerial intrusions and missile attacks.

“The deal also provides South Korean companies with opportunities for future co-operation and joint ventures aimed toward the development of the UAE’s local defence manufacturing ecosystem.

“The UAE has emerged as a key defence market over the last decade due to the ongoing military conflicts and growing regional instability. The country has signed several large ticket defence deals to modernize its armed forces. There is also a high probability of the UAE being interested in the KF-21 Boramae, a fifth-generation combat aircraft, as a replacement for the canceled F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.”