Hanwha Systems from South Korea to Supply MFR Advanced Air Defense Radar to Saudi Arabia.

On July 9, 2024, South Korean Defense Company Hanwha Systems, led by CEO Sung-Chul Eoh, announced a significant contract to supply Multi-Function Radar (MFR) for the Middle-range Surface-to-Air Defense System MSAM-II, also named Cheongung-II to Saudi Arabia. Valued at approximately USD 867 million, this agreement marks Hanwha Systems' second international export of the Cheongung-II MFR, following a successful deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2022.
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The MFR radar serves as the core sensor of the MSAM-II air defense missile system, providing the first three-dimensional phased-array radar capabilities. (Picture source: Hanwha)

In November 2023, Saudi Arabia signed a significant contract with South Korea to procure 10 batteries of the KM-SAM Block II medium-range surface-to-air defense missile system. The deal, valued at approximately $3.2 billion, was officially announced in February 2024 during the World Defense Show in Riyadh. This contract follows a similar $3.5 billion deal South Korea secured with the UAE in January 2022 for the same missile system​.

The MSAM-II, or Middle-range Surface-to-Air Missile-II, known as Cheongung-II in Korea, is an advanced missile defense system designed to intercept enemy missiles. It is a key component of the Korean Missile Defense (KAMD) system, providing a crucial layer of defense against both aircraft and ballistic missile threats.

The Cheongung-II Multi-Function Radar (MFR) plays a crucial role within the MSAM-II (Middle-range Surface-to-Air Missile-II) battery, which is an advanced missile defense system designed to intercept enemy aircraft and ballistic missiles. The MFR serves as the core sensor of the Cheongung system, providing Korea's first three-dimensional phased-array radar capabilities. It performs multiple complex missions simultaneously, including detection, tracking, friend or foe identification, missile guidance, and intercept confirmation.

By integrating these various functions into one radar system, the Cheongung-II MFR enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the MSAM-II battery. It acts as the central coordination unit, ensuring all components work together seamlessly to detect, track, and neutralize threats. The MFR enables the battery to engage multiple targets at once, providing robust defense against a wide range of aerial threats. Its advanced detection and tracking capabilities offer detailed situational awareness, allowing operators to make quick, informed decisions. Furthermore, by guiding missiles with precision and confirming intercepts, the MFR improves the overall accuracy and reliability of the MSAM-II system. In summary, the Cheongung-II MFR is an essential component of the MSAM-II battery, providing the technological backbone necessary to support complex air defense missions and enhance South Korea's missile defense capabilities.

Hanwha Systems' prior export to the UAE, valued at around USD 1.1 billion, highlighted the radar's superior performance and adaptability to harsh desert environments. The latest deal with Saudi Arabia reaffirms the competitive edge of HSC's MFR, which integrates multiple radar functions into a single system, enhancing its capability to handle diverse air threats.

The Cheongung-II system's export package, totaling USD 3.2 billion, includes a multi-function radar, vertical launcher, and Engagement Control Station (ECS). Hanwha Systems will provide the radar, while Hanwha Aerospace will supply the launcher. This strategic collaboration ensures the delivery of a comprehensive missile defense solution.

Hyuk Park, head of HSC's Surveillance & Reconnaissance Business Division, emphasized the importance of radar technology in the defense sector, noting that radar systems account for a significant portion of weapon system budgets and maintenance operations. He highlighted HSC's commitment to developing advanced radar solutions to address evolving air threats.

CEO Sung Chul Eoh expressed Hanwha Systems' vision to expand its presence in the global defense market by introducing state-of-the-art radars and future weapon systems. He stated, "We will continue to build a stronger presence in the global defense market by expanding our export items to include future weapon systems with new technologies such as lightweight AESA radars and unmanned naval systems for customers in various regions such as the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia."

This latest achievement underscores Hanwha Systems' role in advancing South Korea's defense capabilities and solidifying its position in the global defense industry.