South Korea Signed $3.2 Billion Deal to Export Air Defense Systems to Saudi Arabia

Defense News ,South Korea :- South Korea has officially disclosed a $3.2 billion deal signed in November to export air defense systems to Saudi Arabia, with the announcement coinciding with the World Defense Show hosted by Saudi Arabia from Feb. 4-8. The memorandum of understanding signed during the event aims to strengthen defense cooperation between the two nations.

The agreement involves the sale of 10 KM-SAM Block II medium-range surface-to-air missile systems, marking a significant export deal for South Korea. A similar weapon system was previously sold to the United Arab Emirates in a $3.5 billion deal signed in January 2022. However, as of late 2023, deliveries to the UAE had not commenced due to ongoing development work on the more advanced Block III active electronically scanned array radar by Hanwha Systems.

KM-SAM Block II batteries are manufactured by LIG Nex1, while Hanwha Systems provides the radar, and Hanwha Aerospace supplies launcher vehicles. This versatile weapon system is capable of intercepting both aircraft and missiles, making it particularly crucial for Saudi Arabia, which frequently intercepts ballistic missiles fired by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Kim Jae Yeop, a senior researcher at the Sungkyun Institute for Global Strategy in Seoul, highlighted South Korea's rising profile in the global arms market, attributing it to the nation's technical expertise and industrial capacity. As regional security threats grow, Kim predicts an acceleration in defense cooperation between Seoul and Arab states, positioning South Korea as a reliable supplier of weapon systems to address emerging challenges.

Previous arms sales between South Korea and Saudi Arabia, including Raybolt anti-tank missiles in 2017 and K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers in March 2022, demonstrate the expanding collaboration. The new memorandum of understanding emphasizes the establishment of a joint committee to enhance defense industry and technology cooperation. The committee aims to conduct research and development, joint projects, and the production of weapon systems, further solidifying bilateral defense ties. The agreement was witnessed by the respective defense ministers of South Korea and Saudi Arabia, signaling a commitment to long-term collaboration.