At ADEX 2017, Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition at Seoul Airport (Seoul Airbase), Republic of Korea, Oct. 17-22, 2017, the KM-SAM is show to the public for the first time.

The missile with a 40-kilometer range, also called "Cheongung," was developed locally in 2011 to replace the ROK Air Force's (ROKAF) aging batteries of MIM-23 Hawk from the U.S. Each Cheongung battery consists of a multi-function radar, a firing control system, a launch pad, and eight missiles, according to Lee Hee-chul of the ADD. The multi-function radar is capable of detecting and tracing incoming enemy aircraft, identifying friend or foe, and guiding missiles. It can intercept up to six aircraft simultaneously, whereas the Hawk can intercept only one at a time. The Cheongung has a range of up to about 40 km and is aimed at intercepting aircraft flying at an altitude between 10-15 km. It will replace the American-made Hawk, which has been the Air Force's main surface-to-air weapon since 1964.

The Cheongung has a vertical launching system. Once it is launched into air based on a piston system, the missile's rocket motor ignites and the missile is guided by the radar. The missile can change direction quickly and has little chance of being detected by the enemy because it gives off little flare. Equipped with anti-electronic warfare capabilities, the missile system can keep functioning despite electronic jamming maneuvers. The ADD plans to further develop the Cheongung as a PAC-3-level ballistic interceptor missile. It will have to increase the Cheongung's altitude to 30 km and its range to 100-150 km.